pterodactyl

noun

ptero·​dac·​tyl ˌter-ə-ˈdak-tᵊl How to pronounce pterodactyl (audio)
: any of various pterosaurs (suborder Pterodactyloidea) of the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous having a rudimentary tail and a beak with reduced dentition
broadly : pterosaur

Examples of pterodactyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Part of that may be due to delivery; like a pterodactyl, Carolyn has a penchant for squawking and groaning when excited, or even at rest. Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 6 Feb. 2025 Some sort of internal motivation that roused the sleeping pterodactyl from his early season slumber? Jaden? Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024 Over the years, Anderson said, many have confused the sculpture for a pterodactyl, which is a smaller but perhaps better-known type of pterosaur. Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024 This dinosaur set features Lego pieces that transform into a pterodactyl, a triceratops, a T-rex figurine, and a buildable rib cage. Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pterodactyl 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Pterodactylus, genus of reptiles, from Greek pteron wing + daktylos finger — more at feather

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pterodactyl was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near pterodactyl

Cite this Entry

“Pterodactyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pterodactyl. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pterodactyl

noun
ptero·​dac·​tyl ˌter-ə-ˈdak-tᵊl How to pronounce pterodactyl (audio)
: any of various extinct flying reptiles having a featherless membrane extending from the body along the arms and forming the supporting surface of the wings
Etymology

from scientific Latin Pterodactylus "pterodactyl," from Greek pteron "wing" and Greek daktylos "finger"

More from Merriam-Webster on pterodactyl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!