theropod
noun
the·ro·pod
ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd 
plural theropods
: any of a suborder (Theropoda) of carnivorous, bipedal, saurischian dinosaurs (such as a tyrannosaur or velociraptor) having hollow, thin-walled bones and usually small forelimbs
Note: Birds are descended from one lineage of small theropods.
Examples of theropod in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The study authors suggest that the tracks were made by theropods around the size of our biggest birds today.
—
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
For fast-moving theropods, hollow bones may have helped to increase their speed by lightening their load.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
According to Buntin, the theropods’ steps can be deciphered, thanks to the tracks’ shape, orientation, and organization.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
Neither did ornithischians, one of the three major groups of dinosaurs alongside theropods and sauropods.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theropod
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
For fast-moving theropods, hollow bones may have helped to increase their speed by lightening their load.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
According to Buntin, the theropods’ steps can be deciphered, thanks to the tracks’ shape, orientation, and organization.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
Neither did ornithischians, one of the three major groups of dinosaurs alongside theropods and sauropods.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theropod
Cite this Entry
“Theropod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theropod. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share