raptor

noun

rap·tor | \ ˈrap-tər

, -ˌtȯr \

Definition of raptor

1 : a carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird (such as a hawk, eagle, owl, or vulture) that has a hooked beak and large sharp talons and that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion : bird of prey

2 [New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor)] : a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (such as a velociraptor or deinonychus)

Examples of raptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The sound did, especially, because the theater incorporated the powerful DTS (Digital Theater Systems) surround sound that reached out and bit you at the jump during the opening raptor attack scene. — Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com, al, "Fox 12 theater at McFarland Mall guided my movie journey, which is now on hold," 24 Feb. 2021 And a variety of raptor species — hawks and their kin — use fresh mistletoe sprigs to line their nests. — Rachel Ehrenberg, Smithsonian Magazine, "The Biology of Mistletoe," 23 Dec. 2020 Conservation measures since then have brought the majestic raptor back throughout the country and in Connecticut. — Jesse Leavenworth, courant.com, "Bald eagle rescued in Thomaston," 17 Dec. 2020 The study was a good first step at using science to address a persistent issue, says Zach Wallace, a raptor researcher at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, who was not involved in the study. — Christine Peterson, Animals, "Illegal shooting of protected animals more common than thought," 11 Dec. 2020 Huge electric raptor paddock fencing looms near the queue. — Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, orlandosentinel.com, "PODCAST: Excitement grows as Universal’s VelociCoaster ride vehicle, raptor paddock come into view (Ep. 77)," 10 Dec. 2020 Sidney Campbell, raptor program manager at the American Bald Eagle Foundation, is helping care for two displaced pygmy goats. — Jenna Kunze, Anchorage Daily News, "Rescued dogs, fostered goats: Haines residents pitch in as evacuations leave some pet owners scrambling," 9 Dec. 2020 Like the work of John McPhee and Helen Macdonald, Mr. Slaght’s tale of pursuing a majestic raptor native to the Far East Russian woodlands marries science and adventure, a naturalist’s eye and a storyteller’s gift. — David S. Reynolds, WSJ, "The 10 Best Books of 2020," 9 Dec. 2020 The raptor-relative Troodon was a feathery, eight-foot-long dinosaur with large eyes. — Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, "How Dinosaurs Thrived in the Snow," 3 Dec. 2020

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.