Search Dictionary
Definition of oviraptor

oviraptor

/ˌoʊvəˈræptər/
o · vi · rap · tor
Plural:oviraptors
JUMP TO:

oviraptor Lexical Profile

oviraptor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A genus of small, bird-like, omnivorous theropod dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous period, characterized by a short, beak-like snout and originally discovered in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for oviraptor

Word Nuance & Usage

The name translates to 'egg thief,' a historical misnomer given by early paleontologists who mistakenly believed the dinosaur was stealing eggs, whereas later evidence revealed it was actually brooding its own nest.

• Rhymes for oviraptor

• Nearby Words

overzealous
overzealously
overzealousness
oviraptor
ovoid
ovulate
ovulation

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1924 by paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn from Latin 'ovum' (egg) and 'raptor' (thief or seizer).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oviraptor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oviraptor
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.