pterodactyl

noun

ptero·​dac·​tyl ˌter-ə-ˈdak-tᵊl 

: 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

On the left, Wyatt had two temporary tattoos, one of a pterodactyl and another of a sea animal. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Just then, a horrible noise, like a hungry pterodactyl circling the gathering, comes from all sides; everyone looks scared. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025

And the final action sequence doesn’t involve an unbeatable enemy warrior but rather a pesky pterodactyl that Goku whacks with his Power Pole. —Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2024

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

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

Rhymes for pterodactyl

• dactyl
• fractal
• tactile
• retractile

Kids Definition

pterodactyl

noun

ptero·​dac·​tyl ˌter-ə-ˈdak-tᵊl 

: 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"