ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
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
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
In 1954, Kritsky said, all of Brood XI went extinct.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
In order to estimate the shark's entire body length, Shimada collaborated with colleagues in Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the UK and the US, obtaining head, trunk and tail measurements from 145 present-day shark species and 20 extinct species.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025
Little is known about how and why megalodon went extinct around 3 million years ago.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Overall, the extinct species showed far less diversity than the modern ones.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
In 1954, Kritsky said, all of Brood XI went extinct.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
In order to estimate the shark's entire body length, Shimada collaborated with colleagues in Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the UK and the US, obtaining head, trunk and tail measurements from 145 present-day shark species and 20 extinct species.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025
Little is known about how and why megalodon went extinct around 3 million years ago.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Articles Related to extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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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