dinosaur
DEYE-nuh-saw
Dinosaur (noun) means one of the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed. Example: “Fossilized dinosaur footprints were discovered near the riverbank.”
noun
1
One of the large reptiles that dominated the land during the Mesozoic Era, long before humans existed.
"Fossilized dinosaur footprints were discovered near the riverbank."
"Children love learning about how big some dinosaurs were."
"The museum has the skeleton of a huge dinosaur in its main hall."
2
A person, institution, or idea that is outdated and resistant to change.
"Critics called the company a dinosaur for refusing to modernize."
"My grandfather calls himself a dinosaur because he still refuses to use a smartphone."
"The old-fashioned rule was a dinosaur that nobody wanted to defend any longer."
How to use dinosaur
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn ancient extinct reptile — or, figuratively, something hopelessly out of date.
Common pairings
dinosaur bones
dinosaur fossil
extinct dinosaur
corporate dinosaur
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Word forms
- Plural
- dinosaurs
Fill the gap
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Fossilized _____ footprints were discovered near the riverbank.
Etymology
Coined in 1841-42 by the paleontologist Richard Owen from Greek roots meaning "terrible" and "lizard."
Class of 1841
dinosaur joined the language around 1841.
See the full Class of 1841 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dinosaur
See all rhymes for 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 In plain terms, an ancient extinct reptile — or, figuratively, something hopelessly out of date.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.
