velociraptor

noun

ve·​loc·​i·​rap·​tor və-ˈlä-sə-ˌrap-tər How to pronounce velociraptor (audio)
: any of a genus (Velociraptor) of theropod dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous having a long head with a flat snout and a large sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot

Examples of velociraptor 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.
People will jump on you like velociraptors. — Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 Played by Bob Peck, Jurassic Park's resident velociraptor expert proved that behind every great man is a clever girl. — Huntley Woods, EW.com, 1 July 2025 Played by Bob Peck, Jurassic Park's resident velociraptor expert proved that behind every great man is a clever girl. — Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 Others went for humor, featuring Dunkin’ Donuts collages, velociraptors clutching coffees and lobsters taking the spotlight. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for velociraptor

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin vēlōc-, vēlōx "swift, rapid" + -i- -i- + raptor "plunderer, predator" — more at velocity, raptor

Note: The genus Velociraptor was introduced by the American paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn (1857-1935) in "Three new Theropoda, Protoceratops zone, Central Mongolia," American Museum Novitates, No. 144 (November 7, 1924).

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of velociraptor was in 1924

Rhymes for velociraptor

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Browse Nearby Words

velocipedist
velociraptor
velocitize
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on velociraptor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about velociraptor

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