raptor

noun rap·tor \ˈrap-tər, -ˌtȯr\

: a bird (such as an eagle or hawk) that kills and eats other animals for food

: a small or medium-sized dinosaur that ate other animals

Full Definition of RAPTOR

[New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor)] : a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (as a velociraptor or deinonychus)

See raptor defined for English-language learners

See raptor defined for kids

New Latin Raptores, former order name, from Latin, plural of raptor plunderer, from rapere

First Known Use: 1873

RAPTOR Defined for Kids

noun rap·tor \ˈrap-tər\

Next Word in the Dictionary: Raptores (plural noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: raptatorialAll Words Near: raptor

What made you want to look up raptor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears