extinct

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​tinct ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t  ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t 

1

a

: no longer burning

b

: no longer active

an extinct volcano

2

: no longer existing

an extinct animal

3

a

: gone out of use : superseded

b

: having no qualified claimant

an extinct title

extinct

2 of 2

verb

extincted; extincting; extincts

transitive verb

archaic

: extinguish

Synonyms

Adjective

• bygone
• bypast
• dead
• defunct
• departed
• done
• expired
• gone
• nonextant
• vanished

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

Adjective

If orangutans went extinct, several tree species would also disappear, according to the World Wildlife Fund, because the primates play a key role in spreading seeds. —Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 17 July 2024

And a number of extinct bird species have been discovered there, including a new type of vulture and hawk. —Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 7 July 2024

Verb

Perhaps their aversion to new mates ultimately pushed Neanderthals from endangered to extinct. —Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024

Of the native species found in Illinois, the majority fall into a range from threatened to extinct, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. —Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 25 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin exstinctus, past participle of exstinguere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

extinct

adjective

ex·​tinct

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t,

ˈek-ˌ

1

: no longer active

an extinct volcano

2

: no longer existing

an extinct species of animal

Medical Definition

extinct

adjective

ex·​tinct ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t  ˈek-ˌ 

: no longer existing : lacking living representatives

extinct prehistoric animals