raptor

play

noun rap·tor \ ˈrap-tər , -ˌtȯr \

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)

See raptor defined for English-language learners

See raptor defined for kids

Recent Examples of raptor from the Web

State officials have credited the banning of the pesticide DDT, which fatally thinned the eggs of eagles and other raptors, eagle reintroduction programs, and improved law enforcement for a comeback of the bald eagle.

— james bruggers, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky's bald eagle population reaches new heights," 29 Aug. 2017
Although the upper dash has soft-touch materials, the abundance of hard plastics looks cheaper on the more exclusive Raptor.

— eric stafford, Car and Driver, "2017 Ford F-150 Raptor," 26 Aug. 2017
Meet avian ambassadors up close, learn about important role raptors play in environment.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Free and fun events this weekend: July 28-30," 26 July 2017
Her team removed real predation risk by protecting nests with electric fences to zap hungry raccoons and fishing nets to thwart raptors.

— liza gross, Smithsonian, "How Fear of Humans Can Ripple Through Food Webs and Reshape Landscapes," 12 July 2017
The eagle was taken to a wildlife center, and it was determined the raptor had been shot.

— kasey jones, The Seattle Times, "Bald eagle euthanized after being shot on Jul 4 in Maryland," 7 July 2017
Toronto Raptors sign Kyle Lowry to a three-year, $100 million contract Grade: B- The Raptors find themselves in a fascinating situation.

— tim bontemps, chicagotribune.com, "Grading NBA free agency: Who flunked and who earned an A+?," 5 July 2017
Raptors coach Dwane Casey said when the trade was made.

— tim reynolds, The Seattle Times, "AP Source: Ibaka, Raptors agree on $65 million, 3-year deal," 2 July 2017
A pair of red-tailed hawks was riding the breeze above Erickson Creek, screeching with the raptor sound familiar to most Americans.

— ned rozell, Alaska Dispatch News, "Light-filled days (and nights) bring the far north wilderness to life," 1 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

RAPTOR Defined for English Language Learners

raptor

play

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

play

noun rap·tor \ ˈrap-tər \

Definition of raptor for Students

:bird of prey

Learn More about raptor

See words that rhyme with raptor Spanish Central: Translation of raptor

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up raptor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

raptor

Definition of raptor

Recent Examples of raptor from the Web

Origin and Etymology of raptor

RAPTOR Defined for English Language Learners

raptor

Definition of raptor for English Language Learners

RAPTOR Defined for Kids

raptor

Definition of raptor for Students

Learn More about raptor

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Let's Talk 'Tea'

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066

raptor

Definition of raptor

From the M-W Editors

Recent Examples of raptor from the Web

Origin and Etymology of raptor

RAPTOR Defined for English Language Learners

raptor

Definition of raptor for English Language Learners

RAPTOR Defined for Kids

raptor

Definition of raptor for Students

Learn More about raptor

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066