raptor

American  

[rap-ter, -tawr] / ˈræp tər, -tɔr /

noun

1. a raptorial bird.

2. Informal. a velociraptor or other small dinosaur with similar characteristics.

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raptor British  

/ ˈræptə /

noun

1. another name for bird of prey

2. informal a carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the late Cretaceous period

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raptor Scientific  

/ răp′tər /

1. A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.

2. Any of various mostly small, slender, carnivorous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period. Raptors had hind legs that were adapted for leaping and large, curved claws used for grasping and tearing at prey. Raptors were probably related to birds, and some even had feathers.

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Etymology

Origin of raptor

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English raptour “ravener; plunderer; bird of prey,” from Latin raptor “robber, ravager,” equivalent to rap(ere) “to seize by force, plunder” + -tor agent suffix; rape ¹ -tor

Compare meaning

How does raptor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• velociraptor vs. raptor

Example Sentences

The juvenile then flew off to Jackie and Shadow’s nest in a Jeffrey pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake, where a camera offered a closer view of the raptor.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025

I hang a black raptor silhouette in the middle square, but that does not deter him.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2025

Some fossils are thought to represent previously undescribed species, including two additional pterosaur skulls and two small raptor dinosaurs.

From Science Magazine • May 15, 2024

It said Scotland already had stringent laws in place on raptor persecution, and incidents are at an all-time low.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2024

A purple-and-brown raptor stepped out in front of the burning theater.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older