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

Several other theropods were rendered with feathers. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Several other theropods were rendered with feathers. —Yutao Chen, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2026

The range in footprint sizes indicated that giant creatures roughly 10 meters (33 feet) tall moved in a herd with tiny theropods the size of a chicken, 32 centimeters (1 foot) tall at the hip. —CBS News, 9 Dec. 2025

In comparison, trackways offer a direct snapshot of an ancient moment in time — in this case, when scores of scampering theropods crisscrossed a shoreline. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Theropoda, from Greek thēr wild animal + pod-, pous foot — more at fierce, foot

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for theropod

• amphipod
• arthropod
• copepod
• decapod
• endopod
• escalade
• esplanade
• exopod
• gastropod
• goldenrod
• isopod
• overawed