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: no longer active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: gone out of use : superseded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
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
Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
At some point, dinosaur diversity peaked, but began to decline for at least two million years before the creatures went extinct.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
Research shows that some extinct types of crocodiles were herbivorous.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
With that, the extinct black-footed ferret was officially brought back from the dead.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Colossal said its woolly mouse would enable its scientists to test hypotheses about the link between specific DNA sequences and physical traits that enabled the mammoth, which went extinct around 4,000 years ago, to adapt to life in cold climates.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
At some point, dinosaur diversity peaked, but began to decline for at least two million years before the creatures went extinct.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
Research shows that some extinct types of crocodiles were herbivorous.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
With that, the extinct black-footed ferret was officially brought back from the dead.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Articles Related to extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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