Definition of velociraptor

Short definition: The name Velociraptor means a fast clever dinosaur that lived millions of years ago, and today people often use it when talking about exciting dinosaurs in films museums and fun stories about the ancient world.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the name Velociraptor? The word Velociraptor is famous in movies and pop culture, but it also has an important place in real science. People often imagine it as a fast and dangerous dinosaur, and sometimes they even use the name in a fun or dramatic way to describe speed, sharp thinking, or dominance. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels clear, human, and easy to understand.

Velociraptor n. /vəˌlɒsɪˈræptər/

Forms: Velociraptor, Velociraptors
Related: dinosaur n., predator n., fossil n.
Syllable: ve-lo-ci-rap-tor

  1. (Noun) A small fast meat eating dinosaur known for its sharp claws and intelligence.

    Velociraptor was a relatively small dinosaur that lived about 75 million years ago and is known for its speed, sharp teeth, and curved claw on each foot, which it used to hunt prey, making it one of the most fascinating predators of the prehistoric world.

    The museum has a fossil of a Velociraptor on display.
    Kids were surprised to learn that the real Velociraptor was much smaller than in movies.
    Scientists study Velociraptor fossils to understand dinosaur behavior.

    Synonyms: small predator, fast hunter, sharp claw dinosaur, ancient hunter, meat eating dinosaur, prehistoric killer, agile dinosaur, quick predator, fossil hunter, ancient carnivore, swift dinosaur, clever predator
    Antonyms: plant eating dinosaur, gentle animal, slow creature, harmless reptile, tiny herbivore, peaceful dinosaur, calm beast, non predator, soft natured animal, friendly creature, weak species, calm animal

  2. (Noun) A symbol of speed sharp thinking and being quick to react.

    Outside of science, people sometimes use Velociraptor as a symbol for someone who is fast, clever, and always one step ahead, like a quick thinker at work or a fast player in sports.

    In debates, she moves like a Velociraptor, always ready with a smart answer.
    That gamer is the Velociraptor of the team.
    He reacts so quickly, everyone calls him a Velociraptor.

    Synonyms: fast thinker, quick mind, sharp person, agile type, smart mover, quick responder, clever soul, fast learner, speed master, sharp player, quick strategist, alert mind
    Antonyms: slow thinker, dull mind, lazy responder, sluggish type, slow mover, heavy thinker, unalert person, slow learner, calm reactor, late responder, sleepy type, low energy person

  3. (Slang) A playful nickname for someone who is intense dominant or a little scary in personality.

    In casual slang, people sometimes call someone a Velociraptor to joke that they are intense, competitive, or always ready to attack problems head on, often said in a friendly or dramatic way.

    Calm down, you don’t have to act like a Velociraptor in every meeting.
    He’s such a Velociraptor when it comes to winning.
    She laughs and says she turns into a Velociraptor during competitions.

    Synonyms: intense type, competitive soul, fierce person, go getter, dominant energy, strong presence, aggressive style, bold personality, powerhouse type, driven person, tough competitor, alpha vibe
    Antonyms: calm person, gentle soul, laid back type, relaxed personality, soft speaker, easygoing type, peaceful person, chill vibe, quiet soul, low key person, mild character, gentle presence

An Explanation of the Word "velociraptor" in an Image

Velociraptor charging forward in a green prehistoric forest
A fierce Velociraptor running through a lush prehistoric jungle as sunlight filters through the trees creating an intense and realistic dinosaur scene

Conversation Using the Name Velociraptor

The following conversation takes place at a natural history museum between two friends. It shows how the name Velociraptor is used in everyday English when people talk about dinosaurs, museums, and exciting discoveries.

Ryan: Look at that dinosaur with the sharp claws.

Ella: Wow, is that a Velociraptor?

Ryan: Yes, I heard it was one of the fastest dinosaurs.

Ella: It looks really smart too.

Ryan: The guide said it hunted in groups.

Ella: That makes it even cooler.

Ryan: This is my favorite part of the museum.

Ella: Same here, seeing a Velociraptor in real life is amazing.

Ryan: I want to learn more about dinosaurs now.

Ella: Me too, today was really fun.

Phrases Containing the Name Velociraptor

The phrases below show how the name Velociraptor is often used when talking about dinosaurs, movies, and exciting moments in everyday English.

Velociraptor fossil

The preserved remains of the dinosaur.

We saw a Velociraptor fossil at the museum, and it made us imagine how fast and smart this dinosaur once was.

Velociraptor claws

The sharp claws on its feet.

The guide explained how Velociraptor claws were used for hunting and protecting itself in the wild.

Velociraptor speed

The quick movement of the dinosaur.

Learning about Velociraptor speed surprised everyone because it was much faster than most dinosaurs.

Velociraptor model

A toy or display figure.

The kids played with a Velociraptor model and pretended they were in a dinosaur adventure.

Velociraptor exhibit

A museum display.

The Velociraptor exhibit was one of the most exciting parts of the museum for young visitors.

Velociraptor movie scene

A part of a film.

The Velociraptor movie scene made everyone nervous because the dinosaur looked so fast and clever.

Velociraptor size

The body size of the dinosaur.

When they learned about the Velociraptor size, the students were surprised it was smaller than they expected.

Velociraptor pack

A group of dinosaurs.

The documentary showed a Velociraptor pack working together while hunting.

Velociraptor skeleton

The bones of the dinosaur.

The Velociraptor skeleton was displayed in a way that showed how fast it could run.

Velociraptor discovery

The finding of its fossils.

The Velociraptor discovery helped scientists learn more about smart dinosaurs.

Velociraptor picture

An image of the dinosaur.

The book showed a Velociraptor picture that looked fierce but also exciting.

Velociraptor story

A tale about the dinosaur.

Before bed, he asked for a Velociraptor story full of action and adventure.

Velociraptor toy

A dinosaur figure for play.

His favorite toy is a Velociraptor that he brings everywhere.

Velociraptor fact

Information about the dinosaur.

One interesting Velociraptor fact is that it had feathers instead of scales.

Velociraptor lesson

A class about the dinosaur.

The Velociraptor lesson made science class more exciting for everyone.

Velociraptor museum tour

A guided visit.

The Velociraptor museum tour was the highlight of their school trip.

Velociraptor fan

Someone who loves this dinosaur.

He is a big Velociraptor fan and always talks about dinosaurs.

Velociraptor history

The story of its past.

Learning about Velociraptor history helped them understand ancient life better.

Velociraptor costume

An outfit that looks like the dinosaur.

He wore a Velociraptor costume to the party and everyone loved it.

Velociraptor adventure

A fun story or experience.

The movie showed a Velociraptor adventure that kept the kids excited the whole time.

Words Rhyme with velociraptor

adaptor
adapter
captor
chapter
raptor
reactor
factor
tractor
actor
benefactor
detractor
extractor
contractor
protractor
distractor
compactor
abductor
conductor
instructor
constructor
sculptor
capture
enrapture
rapture
fracture
manufacture
pasture
stature
laughter
after
POS: Noun  Category: Ancients, Animals, Slang