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
The stage is set for unbelievable tension and suspense-building, and it's executed perfectly through Spielberg's directorial prowess with memorable scenes from raptors in the kitchen to a T-Rex in the toilet.
—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
1 July 2026
And collisions with a fence that has small openings can cause injury or death for ground birds and low-flying birds like grouse and raptors.
—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
28 June 2026
Electrocution injuries are mostly seen in large free-ranging raptors, according to the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Visit the High Desert Museum to see river otters, soaring raptors, and immersive exhibits on the region's history.
—
Sierra Vandervort,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for raptor
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.
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
1 July 2026
And collisions with a fence that has small openings can cause injury or death for ground birds and low-flying birds like grouse and raptors.
—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
28 June 2026
Electrocution injuries are mostly seen in large free-ranging raptors, according to the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Visit the High Desert Museum to see river otters, soaring raptors, and immersive exhibits on the region's history.
—
Sierra Vandervort,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for raptor
Cite this Entry
“Raptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raptor. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
raptor
noun
rap·tor
ˈrap-tər 
Etymology
Latin raptor "plunderer," from rapere "to seize"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
