theropod

noun

the·​ro·​pod ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd How to pronounce theropod (audio)
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
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.
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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of theropod was in 1883

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theropod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theropod. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on theropod

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!