1
: one that kills
2
3
a
: one that has a forceful, violent, or striking impact
b
: one that is extremely difficult to deal with
1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
a killer résumé
2
: extremely difficult to deal with
a killer fastball
also
: causing death or devastation
a killer tornado
Examples of killer in a Sentence
Noun
Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women.
The chemical is used as a weed killer.
Adjective
killer viruses that claimed millions of lives
a killer exercise program guaranteed to whip you into shape
Recent Examples on the Web
Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI — breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival.
—Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
And the disease has become the top cancer killer among people under 50 — even as death rates decline in older age groups.
—Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Police had once thought the case solved after serial killer Henry Lucas claimed responsibility for Sharp's murder.
—CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for killer
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Noun
The Supreme Court on April 27 appeared divided over whether Bayer can be sued for failing to warn that the company’s Roundup weed killer may cause cancer, hearing arguments in a major case that could block thousands of lawsuits and shield the company from billions of dollars in potential liability.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI — breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival.
—Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
And the disease has become the top cancer killer among people under 50 — even as death rates decline in older age groups.
—Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Police had once thought the case solved after serial killer Henry Lucas claimed responsibility for Sharp's murder.
—CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for killer
Cite this Entry
“Killer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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