raptor

noun

rap·​tor ˈrap-tər 

-ˌtȯr

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

: 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

Learn about raptor migration patterns and the impact the Center is having on understanding and preserving these magnificent birds in our local area. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025

For whatever reason, people are learning to live with raptors. —Krista Langlois, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025

The treatment had never been used on a species of raptor before, but Ammann took a leap and sent them an email. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 July 2025

The dinosaur almost looks like a raptor that can fly with thin wings and translucent skin that make its skeleton almost visible. —Skyler Trepel, People.com, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) after New Latin Raptores, former order name, going back to Latin, plural of raptor "plunderer, robber, a beast or bird of prey," from rapere "to seize and carry off, take away by force" + -tor, agent suffix; (sense 2) borrowed from New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor) — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for raptor

• apter
• captor
• chapter
• adapter
• adaptor
• subchapter

Kids Definition

raptor

noun

rap·​tor ˈrap-tər 

: bird of prey

Etymology

Latin raptor "plunderer," from rapere "to seize"