theropod

noun

the·​ro·​pod ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd 

plural theropods

: any of a suborder (Theropoda) of carnivorous, bipedal, saurischian dinosaurs (such as a tyrannosaur or velociraptor) having hollow, thin-walled bones and usually small forelimbs

Note: Birds are descended from one lineage of small theropods.

Examples of theropod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gonzo invites questions Two of the three biologists ended up putting Gonzo on the branch that produced theropod dinosaurs and birds, but by different routes. — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

That shape could be consistent with tracks left by either theropods — a group that includes meat-eating dinosaurs — or ornithopods, which were bipedal herbivores. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Kank australis belongs to the unenlagiids, a family of small-to-medium theropod dinosaurs discovered across Late Cretaceous deposits in South America, Antarctica, Australia, and Madagascar. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

Several other theropods were rendered with feathers. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Theropoda, from Greek thēr wild animal + pod-, pous foot — more at fierce, foot

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for theropod

• amphipod
• arthropod
• copepod
• decapod
• endopod
• escalade
• esplanade
• exopod
• gastropod
• goldenrod
• isopod
• ostracod