velociraptor

American  

[vuh-los-uh-rap-ter, ‐tawr] / vəˈlɒs əˌræp tər, ‐tɔr /

noun

1. a small carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Velociraptor , from the late Cretaceous period, capable of leaping, and growing to a length of about 6 feet (2 meters), having feathers, a flat snout, short forelimbs with large handlike talons, and a large sickle-shaped claw on each foot.

---

velociraptor Scientific  

/ və-lŏs′ə-răp′tər /

1. A small, fast, carnivorous dinosaur of the genus Velociraptor of the Cretaceous Period that was about 2 m (6.5 ft) in length. It had long curved claws for grasping and tearing at prey, walked on two legs that were adapted for leaping, and had a long stiff tail used as a counterweight. Velociraptors were a kind of raptor.

---

Etymology

Origin of velociraptor

1920–25; < New Latin, equivalent to veloci-, stem of vēlox “swift, quick” + raptor ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does velociraptor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• velociraptor vs. raptor

Example Sentences

Yinan Wang, a geologist who collects minerals and fossils, liked the park’s velociraptor for his backyard in Arlington, Va.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

The velociraptor will have learned to open the door.

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2022

A classic scene from the movie “Singin’ in the Rain,” but with a velociraptor instead of Gene Kelly.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2022

These carnivorous dinosaurs stood on two legs and could not fly, like the famed velociraptor.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2021

Gene immediately spots me and starts glaring with the watchful eyes of a murderous velociraptor.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell