triceratops
noun
tri·cer·a·tops (ˌ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps 
plural triceratops also triceratopses (ˌ)trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäp-səz
: any of a genus (Triceratops) of large herbivorous quadrupedal ceratopsian dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes
Did you know?
The name triceratops, meaning literally "three-horned face", refers to the two horns above its eyes and the smaller third horn on its snout. Just as striking was the frilled hood or ruff that rose behind its head, though no one is quite sure what it was for. The triceratops was one of the last dinosaurs to evolve and also one of the last to become extinct. It could reach lengths of 30 feet and could stand nearly eight feet high. Despite its ferocious looks and three-foot-long horns, the triceratops was actually a vegetarian.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The three-year-old can build three lovable dinosaurs — a T-rex, triceratops, and stegosaurus — with this kit. 
Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 18 Aug. 2022 Interspersed amid this whimsical woodland are several large-scale dinosaur statues, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and a triceratops. Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 28 July 2022 In one, a tiny triceratops grew to lifesize before the board members' eyes. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 23 May 2022 As its name implies, Big John is a rather large triceratops skeleton, one that originated in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 7 Apr. 2022 For some moments of genuine serenity, hop behind the wheel of a ranger mobile and drive through herds of triceratops grazing out in the wilderness of Washington state. Wired Staff, Wired, 30 Dec. 2021 However, Big John does bear the wounds of a difficult life, with a laceration in his collar from an altercation with a smaller triceratops, which the auctioneers said was due to territorial defense or courtship of a mate. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 1 Sep. 2021 The triceratops is known for its three horns on the head. NBC News, 21 Oct. 2021 Dino Hunters With winter looming, Clayton and Luke race to excavate two massive triceratops skulls, while the Harris-Bolan crew searches for a missing femur from their rare ceratopsian. Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2021 See More
Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 18 Aug. 2022 Interspersed amid this whimsical woodland are several large-scale dinosaur statues, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and a triceratops. Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 28 July 2022 In one, a tiny triceratops grew to lifesize before the board members' eyes. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 23 May 2022 As its name implies, Big John is a rather large triceratops skeleton, one that originated in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 7 Apr. 2022 For some moments of genuine serenity, hop behind the wheel of a ranger mobile and drive through herds of triceratops grazing out in the wilderness of Washington state. Wired Staff, Wired, 30 Dec. 2021 However, Big John does bear the wounds of a difficult life, with a laceration in his collar from an altercation with a smaller triceratops, which the auctioneers said was due to territorial defense or courtship of a mate. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 1 Sep. 2021 The triceratops is known for its three horns on the head. NBC News, 21 Oct. 2021 Dino Hunters With winter looming, Clayton and Luke race to excavate two massive triceratops skulls, while the Harris-Bolan crew searches for a missing femur from their rare ceratopsian. Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from tri- + Greek kerat-, keras horn + ōps face — more at horn, eye
First Known Use
1892, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
triceratops
noun
tri·cer·a·tops trī-ˈser-ə-ˌtäps
plural triceratops
: a large plant-eating dinosaur with three horns, a large bony crest around the neck, and hoofed toes