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

Settle once again came to the rescue by providing his own canoe to the team, who quickly rowed out to meet the young raptors. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2025

With interactive exhibits, live animal demonstrations (such as a raptor free flight), and beautifully curated desert gardens, the museum provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. —Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025

The nature center is home to L.A. County’s raptor rescue center and takes in dozens of owlets each spring along with other birds of prey. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025

In their laboratory, Mederos and her team used an overhead projector to simulate the shadow of a raptor. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 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"