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
From tiny hummingbirds to fearsome raptors, the avian biodiversity of South America is truly a wonder to behold, with vast swathes of verdant rainforest, open grassland and glacial fjords all playing host to their own unique array of avian species.
—
Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
There’s also the risk of secondary toxicity if a mole comes to the surface, dies, and is eaten by a raptor or other predator.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
Learn about raptor migration patterns and the impact the Center is having on understanding and preserving these magnificent birds in our local area.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
For whatever reason, people are learning to live with raptors.
—Krista Langlois, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025
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Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
There’s also the risk of secondary toxicity if a mole comes to the surface, dies, and is eaten by a raptor or other predator.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
Learn about raptor migration patterns and the impact the Center is having on understanding and preserving these magnificent birds in our local area.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
For whatever reason, people are learning to live with raptors.
—Krista Langlois, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for raptor
Cite this Entry
“Raptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raptor. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
raptor
noun
rap·tor
ˈrap-tər 
Etymology
Latin raptor "plunderer," from rapere "to seize"
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