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: no longer active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: gone out of use : superseded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
Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Unlike other apex predators, humans, including our extinct cousins, can’t handle high levels of proteins.
—Jay Kakade
december 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
Torres Maczassek and her brother, Miguel, are considered leaders in climate-change response, including uncovering and re-propagating nearly extinct grape varieties that may fare better in extreme heat and drought.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
By 2014, Thai officials feared the rare species had gone extinct within their borders.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Mongabay noted that animals weren't the only species declared extinct this year; Diospyros angulata, a tree native to Mauritius, and Delissea sinuata, a plant only found in the Waianae Mountains of O'ahu, Hawai'i, both moved to IUCN's Extinct list in 2025.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Unlike other apex predators, humans, including our extinct cousins, can’t handle high levels of proteins.
—Jay Kakade
december 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
Torres Maczassek and her brother, Miguel, are considered leaders in climate-change response, including uncovering and re-propagating nearly extinct grape varieties that may fare better in extreme heat and drought.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
By 2014, Thai officials feared the rare species had gone extinct within their borders.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 8 Jan. 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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