What does killing mean?
“Killing” most commonly names the act of causing death, particularly when it is deliberate: a killing may refer to a murder, the killing of an animal, or a conflict involving many deaths. The word can also function as an adjective. A “killing blow” or “killing remark” is one that is devastatingly effective, while informal descriptions such as “a killing outfit” mean exceptionally attractive. As a noun, “killing” is often more restrained than words such as “murder,” but it remains serious and may suggest an institutional or organized event when used in political or environmental contexts. The term is useful because it spans both literal death and figurative destruction, while its informal adjective senses add a strikingly different, social meaning.
The act of causing the death of a person, animal, or other living being, especially when deliberate.
"The report documented the widespread killing of birds along the coastline."
A serious and often formal term; it can be more euphemistic than “murder” when the context is political, military, or environmental.
Devastatingly effective or, informally, extremely attractive.
"The boxer delivered a killing punch in the final round."
The sense meaning “extremely attractive” is informal and is chiefly used in conversational or fashion-related contexts.
Plural form of the noun, used for individual acts or instances of killing.
"The investigation found no evidence that the killings were connected."
A killing can describe a fatal act, a devastating blow, or—in informal English—an irresistible outfit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does killing come from?
The word “killing” is the present participle and gerund of the verb “kill,” with the familiar suffix “-ing” indicating an ongoing or completed action. “Kill” is attested in Middle English, although its precise ultimate origin is uncertain. Related forms include “killer” and “killable,” which developed from the same verbal root and carry the idea of causing death or being subject to death.
Related word forms
How killing is actually used
The noun is formal and sometimes strongly euphemistic, especially in phrases such as “the killing of innocents.” The adjective sense meaning “extremely attractive” is informal and mainly used in speech, while the sense meaning “devastatingly effective” is common in journalism and figurative descriptions.