Quick Answer
Clue: “Killer whales”
Answer: ORCAS
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number & direction: 3-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Killer whales” is answered with ORCAS.
Why “ORCAS” Is the Right NYT Answer
- “Killer whale” is the common name for the species Orcinus orca, so the natural plural for “Killer whales” is orcas.
- NYT Mini solution lists and helper sites explicitly give ORCAS as the 5-letter answer for this clue and date.
What “ORCAS” Means in Plain English
- Orcas are large black-and-white toothed whales (also considered oceanic dolphins) known as “killer whales,” found in oceans worldwide.
- They are apex predators, often hunting fish, seals, and sometimes even sharks, which is why “killer whales” is such a familiar term.
Crossword-Specific Help and Patterns
- In the grid, ORCAS appears as O R C A S, so partial patterns like ORC__ or _RCAS almost always point to this answer.
- ORCAS is a very common crossword entry and often clued as “Killer whales,” “Black-and-white swimmers,” or “SeaWorld attractions, once.”
- For this Mini, crossings from CHAMP, HERES, WRIST, and others confirm each letter, quickly locking in O-R-C-A-S for 3-Down.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see “Killer whale” (singular) with 4 letters, think ORCA; when you see “Killer whales” with 5 letters, think ORCAS.
Any marine clue mentioning black-and-white predators, pods, or boat encounters is a strong hint that ORCA/ORCAS is in play, especially with ORC- already in place.
