pterosaur

noun

ptero·​saur ˈter-ə-ˌsȯr 

: any of an order (Pterosauria) of extinct flying reptiles existing from the Late Triassic throughout the Jurassic and most of the Cretaceous and having a featherless wing membrane extending from the side of the body along the arm to the end of the greatly elongated fourth digit

Examples of pterosaur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Flying reptiles called pterosaurs would've also eaten fish from the river. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 15 May 2026

Nagatitan lived alongside various other dinosaurs as well as flying reptiles called pterosaurs. — Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 2026

But while the brain evolution of bird flight is well-documented, the origins of the pterosaur’s aerial command center remained a mystery — until now. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

The regurgitalite offers evidence of pterosaurs serving as prey to larger dinosaurs. — Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Pterosauria, from Greek pteron wing + sauros lizard

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pterosaur

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore
• heretofore

Kids Definition

pterosaur

noun

ptero·​saur ˈter-ə-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: pterodactyl