dinosaur
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dinosaur, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — One of the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dinosaur
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Coined in 1841-42 by the paleontologist Richard Owen from Greek roots meaning "terrible" and "lizard."
Full origin of dinosaur →Frequently asked questions
What does “dinosaur” mean?
The word “dinosaur” means one of the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed. In plain terms, an ancient extinct reptile — or, figuratively, something hopelessly out of date.
How do you pronounce “dinosaur”?
“Dinosaur” is pronounced DEYE-nuh-saw (/ˈdaɪnəsoɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dinosaur” in a sentence?
Here is “dinosaur” used in a sentence: “Fossilized dinosaur footprints were discovered near the riverbank.”
What part of speech is “dinosaur”?
“Dinosaur” is a noun.
Where does the word “dinosaur” come from?
The word “dinosaur” dates back to around 1841 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1841-42 by the paleontologist Richard Owen from Greek roots meaning "terrible" and "lizard.".
Is “dinosaur” a common word?
“Dinosaur” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “dinosaur” have?
“Dinosaur” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed.
What is the difference between "dinosaur" and "reptile"?
All dinosaurs were reptiles, but "reptile" is the broader category that also includes living animals like lizards, snakes, and crocodiles. "Dinosaur" refers specifically to the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed.
Why is "dinosaur" used to describe a person or institution?
Figuratively, "dinosaur" describes a person, institution, or idea that is outdated and resistant to change, drawing on the image of a creature that failed to adapt and went extinct. It is often used somewhat critically, implying the thing is out of step with modern times.
Is calling someone a "dinosaur" an insult?
It generally carries a mildly critical or dismissive tone, suggesting the person clings to outdated methods or ideas and resists change. Context matters, though, since it can also be used lightly or affectionately among friends.