sauropod

noun

sau·​ro·​pod ˈsȯr-ə-ˌpäd How to pronounce sauropod (audio)
: any of a suborder (Sauropoda) of quadrupedal herbivorous saurischian dinosaurs (such as an apatosaurus) of the Jurassic and Cretaceous having a long neck and tail, small head, and 5-toed limbs on which they tended to walk in a digitigrade fashion
sauropod adjective

Examples of sauropod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These tracks were some of the first evidence that indicated sauropods walked on land. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026 At this time, northeastern Thailand would have been arid to semi-arid—perfect for sauropods. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2026 Larger sauropods have been found from later on in the Cretaceous period — one as heavy as 70 tons. — James Doubek, NPR, 14 May 2026 Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis belonged to a group of dinosaurs known as sauropods, which were the largest animals ever to walk on land. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sauropod

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Sauropoda, from Greek sauros lizard + New Latin -poda

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sauropod was circa 1889

Rhymes for sauropod

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Browse Nearby Words

saurophagous
sauropod
Sauropoda
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on sauropod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sauropod

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