Word
raptor
Phoneticsrap·tor, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹæptɝ/
UK/ɹˈæptɐ/
Definitions
01bird of prey
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. a bird that hunts and eats other animals, such as an eagle, hawk, or owl.
n. a bird of prey belonging to the orders Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, or Strigiformes, characterized by a hooked beak and sharp talons.
“The eagle is a powerful raptor that can spot its prey from high in the sky.”
“Conservationists are monitoring the local raptor population to ensure that the hawks have enough nesting sites along the cliffs.”
Synonyms
02dinosaur
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Informal · Technical
n. a small or medium-sized dinosaur that ate meat and had sharp claws on its feet.
n. a dromaeosaurid dinosaur, typically characterized by a large, sickle-shaped claw on each second toe and a presumed high level of agility.
“In the movie, the raptors were shown as very smart and fast hunters.”
“Recent paleontological evidence suggests that many raptors were actually covered in feathers rather than scales.”
Synonyms
Usage
Often used as a general category for eagles, hawks, and owls; in popular culture, it specifically evokes the Velociraptor.
Real-World Examples
“Wykeham Forest is a popular area for hiking and mountain biking, and has a raptor viewing point for birdwatching.” Etymology
From Middle English raptour, from Latin raptor (“kidnapper, thief”).
Popularized (and possibly coined) in 1990 by Michael Crichton in Jurassic Park; clipping of velociraptor, ultimately of the same etymology as above.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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