pterodactyl

noun

ptero·​dac·​tyl ˌter-ə-ˈdak-tᵊl 

: any of various pterosaurs (suborder Pterodactyloidea) of the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous having a rudimentary tail and a beak with reduced dentition

broadly : pterosaur

Examples of pterodactyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, Anderson said, many have confused the sculpture for a pterodactyl, which is a smaller but perhaps better-known type of pterosaur. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024

This dinosaur set features Lego pieces that transform into a pterodactyl, a triceratops, a T-rex figurine, and a buildable rib cage. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024

On the wall of the family bedroom, next to a row of medals, hung one son’s artwork: drawings of a Spinosaurus and a T-rex, a pterodactyl and a dragon, each carefully labeled in English. —Bhadra Sharma, New York Times, 11 June 2024

On the left, Wyatt has two temporary tattoos, one of a pterodactyl and another of a sea animal. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Pterodactylus, genus of reptiles, from Greek pteron wing + daktylos finger — more at feather

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pterodactyl

noun

ptero·​dac·​tyl ˌter-ə-ˈdak-tᵊl 

: any of various extinct flying reptiles having a featherless membrane extending from the body along the arms and forming the supporting surface of the wings

Etymology

from scientific Latin Pterodactylus "pterodactyl," from Greek pteron "wing" and Greek daktylos "finger"