predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpre-də-tər How to pronounce predator (audio) -ˌtȯr How to pronounce predator (audio)
1
: an organism that primarily obtains food by the killing and consuming of other organisms : an organism that lives by predation
The threadworm is a tiny nematode; its manifold kin include human parasites such as the hookworm, although the lab species is no parasite but an abundant, free-living predator of soil bacteria.Eleanor E. MacCoby
In a new environment, with no predators, an exotic plant can theoretically run riot.
especially : an animal that preys on other animals
With no large predators around, the koala rarely meets a violent end. Denis Gray
The picture that emerges from my research in a near-wilderness environment is that of the red fox as a specialized predator of small prey (insects, songbirds, small rodents, rabbits), with highly evolved and intriguing adaptations for this type of hunting … J. David Henry
Some spiders and caterpillars mimic bird droppings—an excellent strategy for deterring avian predators. James Martin
2
: one who injures or exploits others for personal gain or profit
Businessmen, he believed, were often predatorsNathan Glick
Neighborhood predators found that setting a fire was an excellent distraction for robbery. The burned-out structure could then be looted at leisure …Tom Buckley
see also sexual predator

Examples of predator in a Sentence

predators like bears and wolves The population of rabbits is controlled by natural predators. a corporate predator acquiring business rivals
Recent Examples on the Web The eggs can get buried in the nest or be scooped up by a predator, Steers said. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Join 23 others in the comments View Comments The swiftness of the attack may reflect Starboard’s skill and efficiency as a predator, which could be a response to the stress of spending time hunting close to shorelines in areas where humans are abundant, the study suggested. Katie Hunt, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Native fish are highly susceptible to fish-eating predators like the brown trout. The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024 The bill, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), is primarily aimed at directing more funding to law enforcement to investigate child predators, rather than focusing on tech companies. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 Although scientists can’t tell exactly what an animal has eaten from analyzing its teeth, Burg Mayer’s team was able to glean clues about the sharks’ diets and rankings as predators by comparing different forms of nitrogen, called isotopes, between the two dental sets. Sarah Sloat, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 For many species, bioluminescence serves multiple purposes, including defense against predators, luring prey and, significantly, attracting mates. Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Killer whales and leopard seals are both some of the top predators of the Antarctic. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 Moreover, some species of plankton glow when agitated, which may reduce predation by startling predators or by attracting even larger predators to the scene, thereby creating a deterrent through an indirect defense mechanism. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predator was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near predator

Cite this Entry

“Predator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predator. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

predator

noun
pred·​a·​tor ˈpred-ət-ər How to pronounce predator (audio) -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r How to pronounce predator (audio)
: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals

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