raptor
Americannoun
-
a raptorial bird.
-
Informal. a velociraptor or other small dinosaur with similar characteristics.
noun
-
another name for bird of prey
-
informal a carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the late Cretaceous period
-
A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.
-
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.
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; see rape 1 -tor
Compare meaning
How does raptor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A raptor is a bird of prey, a large, strong bird that feeds on smaller animals. Raptors are equipped with sharp talons and beaks for hunting. Raptors are hunters, and they're also big, striking birds — the bald eagle is one example of a raptor. The difference between raptors and other birds that also eat animals (like gulls, for example) is that raptors use not only their beaks, but also their curved talons to catch their prey. Before it came to be used for these birds, raptor meant "abductor," from its Latin meaning, "robber, plunderer, or abductor," from rapere, "to seize."
Vocabulary lists containing raptor
Name On: Pro Sports Team Names, Part 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words of a Feather: Unflappable Avian Vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Between Shades of Gray
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I hang a black raptor silhouette in the middle square, but that does not deter him.
From Salon • Jul. 19, 2025
As the Super Heavy booster re-entered the atmosphere its 33 raptor engines worked to slow it down from speeds in excess of a few thousands miles per hour.
From BBC • Oct. 13, 2024
You might spot a peregrine falcon or other raptor, including kestrels, which nest there.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024
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
A lone raptor stood in the shadowy stable area, devouring some small pest with messy chomps and snorfs.
From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
