Definition of raptor
1 : bird of prey
2 [New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor)] : a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (such as a velociraptor or deinonychus)
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of raptor
New Latin Raptores, former order name, from Latin, plural of raptor plunderer, from rapere
First Known Use: 1873
RAPTOR Defined for English Language Learners
raptor
playDefinition of raptor for English Language Learners
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: a bird (such as an eagle or hawk) that kills and eats other animals for food
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: a small or medium-sized dinosaur that ate other animals
RAPTOR Defined for Kids
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See words that rhyme with raptor Spanish Central: Translation of raptor
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