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
In Chicago and, in the obvious absence of alligators, the birds have found the largest carnivorous animals and apex predators around.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Instead, their skeletons are made from mineralized cartilage, an adaptation that has helped these predators move through the oceans for over 400 million years.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Online Reddit users have already welcomed the Rhino as one of the area’s apex predators, though some have questioned why it isn’t painted all blue to match its fellow titans.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
Several elusive apex predators have been spotted recently in California — then one showed up on a home security camera wearing a tracking collar.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for predator
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Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Instead, their skeletons are made from mineralized cartilage, an adaptation that has helped these predators move through the oceans for over 400 million years.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Online Reddit users have already welcomed the Rhino as one of the area’s apex predators, though some have questioned why it isn’t painted all blue to match its fellow titans.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
Several elusive apex predators have been spotted recently in California — then one showed up on a home security camera wearing a tracking collar.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 30 May 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 7 Jun. 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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