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

The birds are also known for their thrilling, raspy scream that Hollywood directors often use in films to emulate any hawk, and even raptors, according to Cornell. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 4 Dec. 2025

Photography by former Del Mar Mayor John Weare featuring raptors of the San Dieguito Lagoon and environs was on display, along with an exhibit of Sue Britt’s artwork inspired by scenes along the Coast to Crest Trail in the River Valley, according to a news release. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025

By shooing cherry-pecking birds away, these raptors prevent them from contaminating crops with their poop. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2025

Prey can also be dropped if a raptor is being harassed by another raptor or the prey becomes too heavy to continue carrying. —Corey Williams, Fortune, 22 Nov. 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"