ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
an extinct fire
an extinct hope
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
extinct customs
b
: having no qualified claimant
an extinct title
Examples of extinct in a Sentence
Adjective
Many of these old traditions have since become extinct.
a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
The second phase came later with brain expansion Using evolutionary models, the researchers estimated handedness in extinct human relatives.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
So pinball almost became extinct because of that.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Similarly, modern human populations have some Neanderthal ancestry — a legacy of past interactions with that species that went extinct about 40,000 years ago.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello.
—Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
The second phase came later with brain expansion Using evolutionary models, the researchers estimated handedness in extinct human relatives.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
So pinball almost became extinct because of that.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Similarly, modern human populations have some Neanderthal ancestry — a legacy of past interactions with that species that went extinct about 40,000 years ago.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
extinct
adjective
ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌ
ˈek-ˌ
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals
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