theropod

noun

the·​ro·​pod ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd How to pronounce theropod (audio)
plural theropods
: any of a suborder (Theropoda) of carnivorous, bipedal, saurischian dinosaurs (such as a tyrannosaur or velociraptor) having hollow, thin-walled bones and usually small forelimbs

Note: Birds are descended from one lineage of small theropods.

Examples of theropod in a Sentence

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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.
Several other theropods were rendered with feathers. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Several other theropods were rendered with feathers. — Yutao Chen, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2026 Meanwhile, larger theropods left broad, deep tracks with long strides, including sections that suggested short bursts of running or sprinting. — New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025 There the theropods stamped their feet into the soft, deep mud between 101 million and 66 million years ago, toward the end of the Cretaceous period. — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theropod

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Theropoda, from Greek thēr wild animal + pod-, pous foot — more at fierce, foot

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theropod was in 1883

Rhymes for theropod

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Browse Nearby Words

therophyte
theropod
Theropoda
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Cite this Entry

“Theropod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theropod. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on theropod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theropod

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