Definition of dinosaur

Short definition: The word dinosaur means a huge ancient animal that lived long before humans, and today people often use it to talk about amazing creatures from the past that still spark curiosity and excitement in kids and adults.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word dinosaur? The word dinosaur is loved by kids, studied by scientists, and used by adults in many fun and serious ways. Sometimes it talks about the giant animals that lived millions of years ago, and sometimes people use it in modern life to describe something old, outdated, or very big. Because of this, dinosaur feels both scientific and playful at the same time. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels clear, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: dinosaur, dinosaurs
Related: reptile n., fossil n., prehistoric adj.
Syllable: di-no-saur

1. (Noun) A type of large prehistoric animal that lived millions of years ago and no longer exists today.

   A dinosaur is one of the many kinds of animals that lived on Earth millions of years before humans, ranging from huge plant eaters to fast meat eaters, and today we learn about them through fossils found in the ground.

   Children love reading books about dinosaurs and imagining what life was like long ago.
   The museum has a full dinosaur skeleton on display.
   Scientists discover new facts about dinosaurs every year.

   Synonyms: prehistoric animal, ancient reptile, fossil animal, extinct giant, ancient creature, old world beast, prehistoric giant, ancient animal, fossil creature, primeval animal, ancient species, old time animal
   Antonyms: modern animal, living species, current wildlife, present day creature, today’s animal, modern species, existing animal, living creature, current life form, modern wildlife, today’s species, living being

2. (Noun) A person or thing that feels very old fashioned and out of date.

   In modern speech, people sometimes call something a dinosaur when it feels old, slow, or stuck in the past, like an outdated computer system or a person who refuses to change with the times.

   He jokes that his old phone is a real dinosaur compared to new models.
   That company’s system feels like a dinosaur in the digital age.
   Some people think paper files are a dinosaur now.

   Synonyms: outdated thing, old school item, old timer, relic, antique, fossil system, ancient method, old fashioned style, past era thing, old tech, classic but old, yesterday’s tool
   Antonyms: modern thing, new tech, up to date system, fresh idea, current style, latest model, advanced tool, modern design, new generation, cutting edge tech, smart system, future ready

3. (Slang) A playful or teasing way to describe someone who does not like change.

   In casual slang, calling someone a dinosaur means they are stubborn about old habits or ideas and do not easily accept new ways of thinking, often said in a joking or friendly tone.

   My dad still uses a flip phone, he’s such a dinosaur about technology.
   She laughs when her friends call her a dinosaur for loving old movies.
   They tease their boss as a dinosaur for avoiding new apps.

   Synonyms: old school person, traditionalist, slow adopter, stuck in the past, old fashioned type, classic thinker, conservative style, habit keeper, routine lover, resistant to change, past lover, tradition holder
   Antonyms: trend follower, early adopter, modern thinker, flexible person, open minded type, progressive soul, tech savvy person, change lover, future thinker, adaptable type, forward mover, innovative mind