The Killer Whale is considered a type of dolphin.

The story behind the answer

True. The “killer whale” (Orcinus orca) is actually the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family, Delphinidae. Taxonomically, dolphins are toothed whales (Odontoceti), and orcas share key dolphin traits: conical teeth, echolocation, complex social behavior, and sophisticated vocalizations in tight-knit pods.

The name “killer whale” likely came from “whale killer,” reflecting their role as apex predators that can hunt other whales. Different orca ecotypes have distinct diets, hunting styles, and even dialects—another dolphin-like hallmark. Memory tip: think “a dolphin in a whale’s clothing”—it looks whale-sized, but it’s classified with dolphins.