ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
b
: having no qualified claimant
an extinct title
Synonyms
Examples of extinct in a Sentence
Adjective
Many of these old traditions have since become extinct.
a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
As if that wasn’t involved enough, there was an extra degree of difficulty added in those moments where Orlok speaks Dacian, an extinct language, in scenes where the vampire communicates with Ellen via their psychic connection.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
This creature is a member of another ancient species capable of surviving the firing of the Halo Array, who had been incarcerated by the extinct Forerunners.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024
The researchers also found a toe bone and rib fragments belonging to the prehistoric animal, an extinct relative of modern elephants that predates another of its cousins, the wooly mammoth.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extinct 
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Adjective
The company's ambitious goal is to resurrect extinct species like the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
As if that wasn’t involved enough, there was an extra degree of difficulty added in those moments where Orlok speaks Dacian, an extinct language, in scenes where the vampire communicates with Ellen via their psychic connection.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
This creature is a member of another ancient species capable of surviving the firing of the Halo Array, who had been incarcerated by the extinct Forerunners.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024
The researchers also found a toe bone and rib fragments belonging to the prehistoric animal, an extinct relative of modern elephants that predates another of its cousins, the wooly mammoth.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extinct
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Dictionary Entries Near extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
extinct
adjective
ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌ
ˈek-ˌ
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals
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