murderer

noun

mur·​der·​er ˈmər-dər-ər How to pronounce murderer (audio)
Synonyms of murderernext
: one who murders
especially : one who commits the crime of murder

Synonyms of murderer

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Examples of murderer in a Sentence

the murderer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole
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.
Austin Metcalf's father is speaking out for the first time after a judge denied denied his son's murderer -- Karmelo Anthony -- a request for a new trial for the fatal stabbing at a Texas high school track meet. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Buzzkill centers on a group of sorority sisters who end up trapped with a murderer. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an up-and-coming FBI agent who reluctantly consults imprisoned murderer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to track down a dangerous serial killer. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 If the murderer was at the door, the truth must nonetheless be told, whatever the consequences. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for murderer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of murderer was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing murderer

Browse Nearby Words

murderee
murderer
murderess
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Legal Definition

murderer

noun
mur·​der·​er ˈmər-dər-ər How to pronounce murderer (audio)
: a person who commits murder
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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