predator
noun
pred·a·tor
ˈpre-də-tər 
-ˌtȯr
-ˌtȯr
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
Eleanor E. MacCobyIn 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
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
J. David Henry Some spiders and caterpillars mimic bird droppings—an excellent strategy for deterring avian predators. —James Martin
James Martin 2
: one who injures or exploits others for personal gain or profit
Businessmen, he believed, were often predators …—Nathan Glick
Nathan GlickNeighborhood 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
Tom BuckleyExamples 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 Democrats' attempt to tie the bill to child predator empowerment has driven many loyal voters away from the party, Fox News Digital previously reported.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025
Instead, the paleontologists believe the hole was formed from the bite of a predator capable of taking down the 6-foot-wingspan pterosaur.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Conservation efforts now focus on protecting these apex predators in their native habitats, ensuring that their reign in the wild continues uninterrupted by human encroachment.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The cobra, once a symbol of nature’s awe-inspiring grandeur, became a casualty of war, its life ended not by natural predators or disease, but by humanity’s conflict.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for predator
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Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025
Instead, the paleontologists believe the hole was formed from the bite of a predator capable of taking down the 6-foot-wingspan pterosaur.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Conservation efforts now focus on protecting these apex predators in their native habitats, ensuring that their reign in the wild continues uninterrupted by human encroachment.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The cobra, once a symbol of nature’s awe-inspiring grandeur, became a casualty of war, its life ended not by natural predators or disease, but by humanity’s conflict.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for predator
Cite this Entry
“Predator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predator. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predator
noun
pred·a·tor
ˈpred-ət-ər
-ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r
-ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r
: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals
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