noun
orca
AW-kuh
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.”
noun
1
The killer whale, a large black-and-white marine mammal related to dolphins.
"A pod of orcas circled the boat, hunting for seals."
"Orcas are highly intelligent and hunt in coordinated groups."
How to use orca
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe proper name for the killer whale.
Common mistake
Despite the nickname "killer whale," orcas are actually the largest member of the dolphin family, not true whales.
Common pairings
a pod of orcas
orca whale
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Word forms
- Plural
- orcas
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.
Synonyms
View more →
killer
grampus
Related words
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.
