Extinct/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Beyond Existence Use it to describe things that used to be alive or functioning but aren't anymore. The woolly mammoth became extinct thousands of years ago. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Significance It often refers to lost cultural aspects, like a way of life or customs. Some ancient rituals are now extinct. Pro Tip 3/3Historical Context It's used for species or practices that ended due to historical events. Many languages went extinct after the European colonization.