theropod
noun
the·ro·pod
ˈthir-ə-ˌpäd 
plural theropods
: any of a suborder (Theropoda) of carnivorous, bipedal, saurischian dinosaurs (such as a tyrannosaur or velociraptor) having hollow, thin-walled bones and usually small forelimbs
Note: Birds are descended from one lineage of small theropods.
Examples of theropod in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The fossils are described in a study published February 19 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and reveal what the predator hierarchy unique to Cretaceous Australia might have looked like.
G’day theropods
The megaraptorids and carcharodontosaurus were theropod dinosaurs.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
In South America, for example, theropods like carcharodontosaurs dominated the predator hierarchy above megaraptorids.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Meat-eaters like tyrannosaurs and Velociraptors all belong to a group of dinosaurs called theropods.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Dec. 2024
The fossils suggest that modern-Victoria’s ancient ecosystem was dominated by these powerful theropods.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theropod
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.
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
In South America, for example, theropods like carcharodontosaurs dominated the predator hierarchy above megaraptorids.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Meat-eaters like tyrannosaurs and Velociraptors all belong to a group of dinosaurs called theropods.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Dec. 2024
The fossils suggest that modern-Victoria’s ancient ecosystem was dominated by these powerful theropods.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theropod
Cite this Entry
“Theropod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theropod. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share