raptor

noun

rap·tor | \ ˈrap-tər

, -ˌtȯr\

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)

Examples of raptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a longer 90-minute session, a second raptor is flown. — Washington Post, "Tourists experience the ancient sport of falconry," 11 June 2018 In the area of the wind farm, raptors were around four times less common than in other areas. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Turbines Kill So Many Birds They're Effectively an Apex Predator," 6 Nov. 2018 An awards show minus any red carpet raptors demanding the designers of passing gowns. — Michael Andor Brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "Highest drama," 8 June 2018 The raptor will tell you where the thermals — the uplifting air currents — are. — Alan Berner, The Seattle Times, "Go, hawks: Sailplane pilots look to birds for flying tips," 23 Nov. 2018 The junior members of the rescue team are played with eccentric charm by Daniella Peneda (good with needles) and Justice Smith (bad with bugs, and the weather, and the raptors). — Michael Phillips, chicagotribune.com, "'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' review: Raptors delight while humans make a mess of things," 20 June 2018 The dinosaurs are almost guaranteed to escape, and nobody wants raptors running around Times Square. — Anchorage Daily News, "Review: The ‘Jurassic World’ sequel achieves the impossible: It makes dinosaurs boring," 20 June 2018 If the public doesn’t step up quickly, the three elegant raptors that are about to fledge from their nest in UC Berkeley’s equally elegant bell tower could go through life as Fluffy, Cottonball and Marshmallow. — Nanette Asimov, San Francisco Chronicle, "For baby raptors, cuddly names may not fly — UC seeks suggestions," 24 May 2018 Peregrine Falcon: Speedy Feathers The largest falcon over most of North America, peregrine falcons are crow-sized raptors with long, pointed wings and a long tail. — National Geographic, "The Biggest Bird That Ever Lived and 5 More Bird Superstars," 15 May 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.