ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
an extinct fire
an extinct hope
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
extinct customs
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
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Since announcing its project to bring back the woolly mammoth in 2021, Colossal Biosciences has announced plans to de-extinct two birds, the dodo and the moa, the Australian thylacine or Tasmanian tiger and the dire wolf.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Peregrine falcons nearly became extinct in the 1970s.
—Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Thirty-five species have already been declared extinct, and more are likely gone.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
This South African antelope went extinct around 1800 after being hunted during the colonial era.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Since announcing its project to bring back the woolly mammoth in 2021, Colossal Biosciences has announced plans to de-extinct two birds, the dodo and the moa, the Australian thylacine or Tasmanian tiger and the dire wolf.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Peregrine falcons nearly became extinct in the 1970s.
—Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Thirty-five species have already been declared extinct, and more are likely gone.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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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