orca
Orca (noun) means the killer whale, a large black-and-white marine mammal related to dolphins. Example: “A pod of orcas circled the boat, hunting for seals.”
How to use orca
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe proper name for the killer whale.
Despite the nickname "killer whale," orcas are actually the largest member of the dolphin family, not true whales.
Word forms
orcas plural, orca plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A pod of _____ circled the boat, hunting for seals.
Etymology
From Latin orca, meaning both "cask" and "a kind of whale" — the exact link between those two senses is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
What does “orca” mean?
The word “orca” means the killer whale, a large black-and-white marine mammal related to dolphins. In plain terms, the proper name for the killer whale.
How do you pronounce “orca”?
“Orca” is pronounced AW-kuh (/ˈoɹkə/ in IPA).
How do you use “orca” in a sentence?
Here is “orca” used in a sentence: “A pod of orcas circled the boat, hunting for seals.”
What part of speech is “orca”?
“Orca” is a noun.
Where does the word “orca” come from?
The word “orca” comes from Latin. From Latin orca, meaning both "cask" and "a kind of whale" — the exact link between those two senses is unclear.