killer

The word “killer” means a person or animal that kills, especially one who murders someone. In plain terms, someone who kills, or (informally) something outstandingly good or difficult.

“Killer” is pronounced KIH-luh (/ˈkɪlɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “killer” used in a sentence: “Police are still searching for the killer.”

Words with a similar meaning to “killer” include homicide and homicider.

The opposite of “killer” — its antonyms — are healer and life giver.

Depending on how it is used, “killer” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “killer” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "killer/kyller," formed from "kill" + the agent suffix "-er.".

“Killer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

A killer is anyone or anything that causes death — a person, an animal, or even a disease — and the killing may be lawful, accidental, or intentional. A murderer is more specific: a person who unlawfully and usually deliberately kills another person. Every murderer is a killer, but not every killer is a murderer.

Yes, in informal use. As slang, killer often means excellent or outstanding, as in 'a killer performance' or 'a killer deal.' It can also mean something extremely difficult or demanding, such as 'a killer workout.' The tone is casual, and the meaning is usually admiring rather than literal.

In its main sense, killer names someone or something that kills, as in 'police are searching for the killer' or 'the lion is a skilled killer.' Informally it can also mean excellent or gruelling, as in 'that hill is a killer.' Context makes the meaning clear.