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: no longer active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: gone out of use : superseded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
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2026
They had been considered extinct before a small population was found in northern California in 1996, the OSU's Institute for Natural Resources said in a news release.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Martens were believed to be extinct in the 20th century after they were hunted for their skin.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Some estimate this group could become extinct in 10 to 20 years.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Threatened by rapidly dwindling sea ice and habitat loss as the world warms, over two-thirds of polar bears could go extinct by 2050.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2026
They had been considered extinct before a small population was found in northern California in 1996, the OSU's Institute for Natural Resources said in a news release.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Martens were believed to be extinct in the 20th century after they were hunted for their skin.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Some estimate this group could become extinct in 10 to 20 years.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 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 8 Feb. 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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