velociraptor

American  

[vuh-los-uh-rap-ter, ‐tawr] / vəˈlɒs əˌræp tər, ‐tɔr /

noun

1. a small carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Velociraptor , from the late Cretaceous period, capable of leaping, and growing to a length of about 6 feet (2 meters), having feathers, a flat snout, short forelimbs with large handlike talons, and a large sickle-shaped claw on each foot.

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velociraptor Scientific  

/ və-lŏs′ə-răp′tər /

1. A small, fast, carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Velociraptor of the Cretaceous Period that was about 2 m (6.5 ft) in length. It had long curved claws for grasping and tearing at prey, walked on two legs that were adapted for leaping, and had a long stiff tail used as a counterweight. Velociraptors were a kind of raptor.

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Etymology

Origin of velociraptor

1920–25; < New Latin, equivalent to veloci-, stem of vēlox “swift, quick” + raptor ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• velociraptor vs. raptor

Example Sentences

“Even this turtle,” the Gaslighter says, pointing to the show’s security guard dressed as a velociraptor.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Yinan Wang, a geologist who collects minerals and fossils, liked the park’s velociraptor for his backyard in Arlington, Va.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

“The only dinosaurs that walked on two toes were ‘raptors’ like velociraptor and their close relatives.”

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

The velociraptor will have learned to open the door.

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2022

Gene immediately spots me and starts glaring with the watchful eyes of a murderous velociraptor.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell