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; see rape ¹ -tor

Compare meaning

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

• velociraptor vs. raptor

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."

Example Sentences

The feature, which Gizmo had, was also visible when what was believed to be the same raptor ferried a fish to the “basement” of the tree.

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

Then a raptor emerged a few blocks away, its shiny, bloodred body bent forward in a low stalking position, the hooded rider leaning all the way back to stay balanced.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older