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

Now, a team of paleontologists, mostly from California's Loma Linda University, have discovered and meticulously documented 16,600 such footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex. —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