murderer

noun

mur·​der·​er ˈmər-dər-ər 

: one who murders

especially : one who commits the crime of murder

Synonyms of murderer

• assassin
• killer

Examples of murderer in a Sentence

the murderer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole

Recent Examples on the Web

And though the local history museum is nothing but artifacts of atrocities (old newspaper report of cannibalism, a murderer’s mask), only Wyck (Stephen Root, great as always) sees anything paranormal in it, and he’s generally written off as a drunk. —Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

But Deputy Solicitor General Eric Feigin said blocking such searches would handicap police searching for murderers, kidnappers and robbers. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

This specifically benefits murderers and rapists, the officials said, and implies that parole is automatic, not something earned. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

Police scoff at the idea, so the women decide to find the murderer on their own. —Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing murderer

• mass murderer

Legal Definition

murderer

noun

mur·​der·​er ˈmər-dər-ər 

: a person who commits murder