raptor

noun

rap·​tor ˈrap-tər 

-ˌtȯr

1

: a carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird (such as a hawk, eagle, owl, or vulture) that has a hooked beak and large sharp talons and that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion : bird of prey

2

: a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (such as a velociraptor or deinonychus)

Examples of raptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While human eyes can see the shimmers of heat when temperatures rise to the high 90s or 100s, raptors can see the same heat shimmers in the low 60s, Gonzalez told the crowd. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025

Master Falconer Kenny Elvin, of Full Circle Falconry, will make two presentations, sharing the history of falconry, raptor biology and behavior. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025

There’s also the risk of secondary toxicity if a mole comes to the surface, dies, and is eaten by a raptor or other predator. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025

Avian influenza viruses are common in wild birds, especially waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) after New Latin Raptores, former order name, going back to Latin, plural of raptor "plunderer, robber, a beast or bird of prey," from rapere "to seize and carry off, take away by force" + -tor, agent suffix; (sense 2) borrowed from New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor) — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for raptor

• apter
• captor
• chapter
• adapter
• adaptor
• subchapter

Kids Definition

raptor

noun

rap·​tor ˈrap-tər 

: bird of prey

Etymology

Latin raptor "plunderer," from rapere "to seize"