terrapin

noun

ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən How to pronounce terrapin (audio)
: any of various aquatic turtles (family Emydidae)
especially : diamondback terrapin

Illustration of terrapin

Illustration of terrapin

Examples of terrapin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Baltimore brewery is teaming up with UMD to release Testudo Premium Lager, a beer named after the university’s terrapin mascot. Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024 Diamondback terrapins and dolphins reside in the local salt marshes that surround the island. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2024 Oysters, terrapin shells and duck bones found in the backyard offer a clue, according to Sarah Groesbeck, who conducted research on the homes. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2023 Inside Thirsty Turtle, the familiar wall décor (neon beer signs, sports pennants, painting of a brew-hoisting terrapin, framed Leonard VerMeer photo collage) are back in place. Matt Wake | [email protected], al, 16 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for terrapin 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier torope, from Virginia Algonquian *to·rəpe·w

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrapin was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near terrapin

Cite this Entry

“Terrapin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrapin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

terrapin

noun
ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən How to pronounce terrapin (audio)
ˈtar-
: any of various North American turtles living in fresh or somewhat salty water

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