Velociraptor genus_authority = Osborn (Henry Fairfield Osborn), 1924 subdivision_ranks = Species subdivision = *V. mongoliensis Osborn, 1924 (type (Type (biology))) *V. osmolskae Godefroit et al., 2008

Velociraptor (pron-env??l?s?r�pt?r; meaning swift seizer) is a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod (Theropoda) dinosaur that existed approximately 75 to 71 million years ago during the later part of the Cretaceous Period (Period (geology)). Two species are currently recognized, although others have been assigned in the past. The type species is V. mongoliensis; fossils of this species have been discovered in both Inner (Inner Mongolia) and Outer Mongolia (Mongolia) in central Asia. A second species, V. osmolskae, was named in 2008 for skull material from Inner Mongolia.

Smaller than other dromaeosaurids like Deinonychus and Achillobator, the turkey (turkey (bird))-sized Velociraptor nevertheless shared many of the same anatomical (anatomy) features. It was a bipedal, feathered carnivore with a long, stiffened tail and an enlarged sickle-shaped claw on each hindfoot, which is thought to have been used to kill its prey (predation). Velociraptor can be distinguished from other dromaeosaurids by its long and low skull, with an upturned snout.

Velociraptor (commonly shortened to raptor) is one of the dinosaur genera most familiar to the general public due to its prominent role in the Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park (film)) motion picture series. In the films it was shown with anatomical inaccuracies, including being much larger than it was in reality and without feathers. It is also well known to paleontologist (paleontology)s, with over a dozen recovered fossil skeletons?the most of any dromaeosaurid. One particularly famous specimen preserves a Velociraptor locked in combat with a Protoceratops.