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

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

The fossils are described in a study published February 19 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and reveal what the predator hierarchy unique to Cretaceous Australia might have looked like. G’day theropods The megaraptorids and carcharodontosaurus were theropod dinosaurs. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025

In South America, for example, theropods like carcharodontosaurs dominated the predator hierarchy above megaraptorids. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 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