killing

1 of 3

noun

kill·​ing ˈki-liŋ How to pronounce killing (audio)
Synonyms of killingnext
1
: the act of one that kills
2
: kill sense 2a
3
: a sudden notable gain or profit
made a killing in the stock market

killing

2 of 3

adjective

1
: that kills or relates to killing
2
: highly amusing
3
: extremely difficult to deal with
the suspense is killing
also : calling for great strength, stamina, or endurance
a killing schedule
killingly
ˈki-liŋ-lē How to pronounce killing (audio)
adverb

killing

3 of 3

present participle of kill entry 1

Synonyms of killing

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Adjective

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Examples of killing in a Sentence

Noun The oil spill is responsible for the killing of thousands of birds. Adjective he's usually quiet, but occasionally unleashes some killing remark that cracks everyone up a killing schedule that requires the touring company to play in a different city every night
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Federal judges cleared Brown and Jimerson of roles in the killing in 2018. — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 One of the few leads in the killing of Wallace were eyewitness reports that shots had been fired from a Chevrolet Impala, and Davis was known to drive one. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
When forces from his past come for revenge, Mark needs to get himself out of the bind without killing anyone and ruining his non-killing streak. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 The anti-trapping, anti-killing anything movement has also taken a toll. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for killing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of killing was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing killing

Rhymes for killing

See All Rhymes for killing

Browse Nearby Words

killig
killing
killing bottle
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Cite this Entry

“Killing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

killing

noun
kill·​ing
ˈkil-iŋ
: a sudden large profit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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