ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
b
: having no qualified claimant
an extinct title
Examples of extinct in a Sentence
Adjective
Many of these old traditions have since become extinct.
a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
After examining multiple roughly 99-million-year-old specimens, researchers believe the extinct wasp species featured Venus flytrap-like abdomen appendages for capturing other insects.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025
An extinct species of parasitic wasp dating back nearly 99 million years was found preserved in amber, according to researchers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Previous theories suggested that an extinct species of iguana rafted from the Americas without a clear timeline, while others proposed that the lizards migrated overland from Asia or Australia, said lead study author Dr. Simon Scarpetta, an assistant professor at the University of San Francisco.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
From the elevated overlook, visitors have an incredible view of a bare panorama that holds the remains of many extinct species dating back 5 million years.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
After examining multiple roughly 99-million-year-old specimens, researchers believe the extinct wasp species featured Venus flytrap-like abdomen appendages for capturing other insects.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025
An extinct species of parasitic wasp dating back nearly 99 million years was found preserved in amber, according to researchers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Previous theories suggested that an extinct species of iguana rafted from the Americas without a clear timeline, while others proposed that the lizards migrated overland from Asia or Australia, said lead study author Dr. Simon Scarpetta, an assistant professor at the University of San Francisco.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
extinct
adjective
ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌ
ˈek-ˌ
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share