raptor

noun rap·tor \ ˈrap-tər , -ˌtȯr \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of raptor

1 : bird of prey

[New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor)]

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

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Recent Examples of raptor from the Web

If the kids want more close encounters, head to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, with live raptor shows and nature trails (149 Natures Way, Quechee, 802-359-5000, www.vinsweb.org, adults $15, ages 4-17 $13).

— BostonGlobe.com, "A real spring break for families," 4 Apr. 2018
Kenn Kaufman, field editor for the National Audubon Society, confirms that while both mongooses and hornbills keep an eye out for predators, the hornbills have keen eyes that are much more likely to spot distant raptors.

— jason bittel, National Geographic, "Is This Mongoose Playing Dead or Just Playing? Video Cracks Up Experts," 3 Apr. 2018
Arizona Game & Fish Department raptor specialists put leg bands on young eagles nesting above Lake Pleasant.

— brandon loomis, azcentral, "For Arizona's once-dwindling bald eagle population, recovery starts in the nest," 1 Apr. 2018
Cross-country skiers were warned to watch out for the angry raptor.

— mark shanahan, BostonGlobe.com, "Was my son’s frightening injury an owl attack?," 28 Mar. 2018
Meet live owls and hawks as Dr. Tom Sproat of BOISE Inc.uncovers mysteries of local raptor species.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Free and fun things to do in Cincinnati this weekend," 21 Mar. 2018
Ornately carved German cuckoo clock Current bid $800 This German cuckoo clock is an ode to hunting (the boar below is being chased by hunting dogs and a raptor watches from above).

— lainey seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "5 weird things Von Trier is auctioning," 20 Mar. 2018
At 40 miles per hour and 3,000 feet up, the raptor known as Harper recently soared over Jefferson Forest and Iroquois Park then turned west to cross into Indiana just south of Rubbertown – avoiding the most popular part of Louisville.

— james bruggers, The Courier-Journal, "Only in Kentucky: Bernheim Forest tracks golden eagle named after bourbon on way to Canada," 15 Mar. 2018
Owls are raptors and, like eagles, are federally protected from trapping and shooting.

— elizabeth fletcher, Philly.com, "Personal Journey: Snowy Owl hotspot in N.J. at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'raptor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of raptor

New Latin Raptores, former order name, from Latin, plural of raptor plunderer, from rapere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1873

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RAPTOR Defined for English Language Learners

raptor

noun

Definition of raptor for English Language Learners

: a bird (such as an eagle or hawk) that kills and eats other animals for food
: a small or medium-sized dinosaur that ate other animals

RAPTOR Defined for Kids

raptor

noun rap·tor \ ˈrap-tər \

Definition of raptor for Students

: bird of prey

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