Killer

/ˈkɪlər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person or thing that kills or is responsible for causing death.
The police arrested a suspected killer who was linked to several unsolved murders.
A very intense or difficult situation or challenge.
The final exam was a real killer; I studied for days and still found it hard.
A strong or effective person or thing, especially one that has a significant impact.
That marketing strategy was a killer; it boosted our sales exponentially.
adjective
Extremely impressive or effective.
The new album has some killer tracks that everyone is talking about.

Etymology

From Middle English ‘killen’, meaning to strike dead or injure fatally.

Common Phrases and Expressions

killer instinct
An innate ability to assess situations and take decisive actions, often in a competitive context.
killer app
A software application that is so useful or desirable that it proves the worth of a product or service.
killer reason
A compelling justification or argument.

Related Words

kill
To cause the death of a living being.
death
The end of life of a living organism.
murder
The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.

Slang Meanings

Something that is extremely impressive or effective.
That party was a killer; I had the best time!
A very difficult challenge, often used in reference to workouts.
The final exam was a killer!