Definition

No longer existing, living, or in use; something that has completely disappeared or is no longer active.

Example

The dodo is an extinct bird that once lived on the island of Mauritius.

Conversation

Did you know that the dodo bird is extinct?

Yeah, I read about that! It's so sad how many species have disappeared.

Exactly! I wonder what other animals might become extinct if we're not careful.

True, we really need to take better care of our environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extinct is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "stinct" (from the Latin "stinguere", meaning to quench or extinguish). The word describes something that has been completely extinguished or is no longer in existence.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has been 'quenched' or 'put out' ('stinct') and is now 'out' ('ex-') of existence — that's what extinct means.

Visually Confused Words