triceratops

noun tri·cer·a·tops \ (ˌ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps \

Definition of triceratops

plural triceratops also triceratopses play \-ˌtäp-səz\

: any of a genus (Triceratops) of large herbivorous quadrupedal ceratopsian dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes

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Recent Examples of triceratops from the Web

No doubt that a triceratops would be quite the asset on the football field, but its hard to 'beat' our Giant Heart.

— tom avril, Philly.com, "Super Bowl science: Philly, Boston museums talk trash on Twitter," 1 Feb. 2018
Two married couples do nocturnal battle over enough hard liquor to kill a triceratops in Edward Albee’s unhinged 1962 classic, the drawing-room play to end all drawing-room plays.

— Chicago Reader, "Hair, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and six more new stage shows to see now," 10 Aug. 2017
One sleeps with a stuffed triceratops, the other with a plush T. rex.

— rachel walker, idahostatesman, "A real Jurassic park lies underground at Wyoming Dinosaur Center," 12 May 2017
On the flight line perches a crazy-looking twin-fuselaged aircraft cradling a spaceship — the three sharp noses call to mind its nickname: Triceratops.

— carl hoffman, WIRED, "Virgin Galactic’s Space-Grazing Aircraft Is Ready for Liftoff," 15 Nov. 2009
On screen, Seo Hyun also spends a lot of time acting with Okja, a friendly C.G.I. creature with the temperament of a dog and the size of a growing triceratops.

— yohana desta, VanityFair.com, "Okja Star An Seo Hyun Carries Netflix’s Next Prestige Film on Her Small Shoulders," 27 June 2017
On screen, Seo Hyun also spends a lot of time acting with Okja, a friendly C.G.I. creature with the temperament of a dog and the size of a growing triceratops.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "Okja Star An Seo Hyun Carries Netflix’s Next Prestige Film on Her Small Shoulders," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'triceratops.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The name triceratops, meaning literally "three-horned face", refers to the two horns above its eyes and the smaller third horn on its snout. Just as striking was the frilled hood or ruff that rose behind its head, though no one is quite sure what it was for. The triceratops was one of the last dinosaurs to evolve and also one of the last to become extinct. It could reach lengths of 30 feet and could stand nearly eight feet high. Despite its ferocious looks and three-foot-long horns, the triceratops was actually a vegetarian.

Origin and Etymology of triceratops

New Latin, from tri- + Greek kerat-, keras horn + ōps face — more at horn, eye

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1892

in the meaning defined above

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TRICERATOPS Defined for English Language Learners

triceratops

noun

Definition of triceratops for English Language Learners

: a large dinosaur that had three horns on its head and that ate plants

TRICERATOPS Defined for Kids

triceratops

noun tri·cer·a·tops \ trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps \

Definition of triceratops for Students

plural triceratops

: a large plant-eating dinosaur with three horns, a large bony crest around the neck, and hoofed toes

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See words that rhyme with triceratops Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about triceratops

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