velociraptor

noun

ve·​loc·​i·​rap·​tor və-ˈlä-sə-ˌrap-tər 

: any of a genus (Velociraptor) of theropod dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous having a long head with a flat snout and a large sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot

Examples of velociraptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Played by Bob Peck, Jurassic Park's resident velociraptor expert proved that behind every great man is a clever girl. —Huntley Woods, EW.com, 1 July 2025

Still, Rebirth, despite referencing and revising beats from the Spielberg original, including a chase that echoes the velociraptor kitchen scene and a remix of the first T. rex attack, never generates energy with its dino encounters. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 June 2025

In this case, approximately 100 million years ago – when tyrannosaurus and velociraptors still roamed the planet. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 14 July 2025

The smaller velociraptors, or raptors, lean forward with their tiny front legs dangling in the air, and suddenly hop, propelled by the back legs; this graceful lean-and-hop movement becomes unimaginably sinister. —David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin vēlōc-, vēlōx "swift, rapid" + -i- -i- + raptor "plunderer, predator" — more at velocity, raptor

Note: The genus Velociraptor was introduced by the American paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn (1857-1935) in "Three new Theropoda, Protoceratops zone, Central Mongolia," American Museum Novitates, No. 144 (November 7, 1924).

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for velociraptor

• adapter
• adaptor
• subchapter
• apter
• captor
• chapter
• raptor