raptor

noun

rap·​tor ˈrap-tər 

-ˌtȯr

1

: a carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird (such as a hawk, eagle, owl, or vulture) that has a hooked beak and large sharp talons and that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion : bird of prey

2

: a usually small-to-medium-sized predatory dinosaur (such as a velociraptor or deinonychus)

Examples of raptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Learn about raptor migration patterns and the impact the Center is having on understanding and preserving these magnificent birds in our local area. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025

Soon the waste and effluent and slag heaps are strewn beside the bay and across the Tacoma tidal flats like offal dropped from a raptor’s nest. —Caroline Fraser june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

Scientists have more often studied intelligence in other birds, such as parrots and crows, rather than in raptors. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025

Their talons also curve more sharply than those of other raptors, and their footpads are equipped with tiny spines that act like Velcro against fish scales. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) after New Latin Raptores, former order name, going back to Latin, plural of raptor "plunderer, robber, a beast or bird of prey," from rapere "to seize and carry off, take away by force" + -tor, agent suffix; (sense 2) borrowed from New Latin -raptor (as in velociraptor) — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for raptor

• apter
• captor
• chapter
• adapter
• adaptor
• subchapter

Kids Definition

raptor

noun

rap·​tor ˈrap-tər 

: bird of prey

Etymology

Latin raptor "plunderer," from rapere "to seize"