ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
an extinct fire
an extinct hope
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
extinct customs
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
CBS News,
1 July 2026
California on Tuesday moved a step closer to reintroducing grizzly bears, the quarter-ton predators that once roamed the Golden State but have been locally extinct for more than a century.
—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2026
Nearly extinct until recent revival efforts, this indigenous Cypriot variety produces a white wine that combines notes of white peach, quince and wildflowers with subtle spice and lively acidity.
—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Staghorn coral are in peril and were declared functionally extinct in Florida in 2025 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Watch.
—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Also on the team is Ben Lamm, a billionaire working to revive extinct species.
—
CBS News,
1 July 2026
California on Tuesday moved a step closer to reintroducing grizzly bears, the quarter-ton predators that once roamed the Golden State but have been locally extinct for more than a century.
—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2026
Nearly extinct until recent revival efforts, this indigenous Cypriot variety produces a white wine that combines notes of white peach, quince and wildflowers with subtle spice and lively acidity.
—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Staghorn coral are in peril and were declared functionally extinct in Florida in 2025 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Watch.
—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
extinct
adjective
ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌ
ˈek-ˌ
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals
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