barracuda

noun

bar·​ra·​cu·​da ˌber-ə-ˈkü-də 

ˌba-rə-

plural barracuda or barracudas

1

: any of a genus (Sphyraena of the family Sphyraenidae) of elongate predaceous often large bony fishes of warm seas that includes food and sport fishes as well as some forms frequently causing ciguatera poisoning

2

: one that uses aggressive, selfish, and sometimes unethical methods to obtain a goal especially in business

Synonyms

• tiger

Examples of barracuda in a Sentence

The company's lawyers are a bunch of barracudas.

the governor-elect is too nice and easygoing, so he'll need a barracuda as his chief of staff

Recent Examples on the Web

While here, divers can see a veritable rainbow of Keys marine life, encompassing barracudas, turtles, coral, and more. —Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

The great barracuda, in particular, is known for its speed and fearsome array of needlelike teeth that can swiftly slice through prey. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Thousands of yellowtail and barracuda were landed, as well as an occasional bluefin and once … a marlin. —Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025

Here divers can cruise over the top of a wall, mingling with groups of grey, white tip and black tip reef sharks, as well as parrotfish and barracuda at a beginner-friendly 60ft. —Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

barracuda

noun

bar·​ra·​cu·​da ˌbar-ə-ˈküd-ə 

plural barracuda or barracudas

: any of several large fierce marine fishes of warm seas that have strong jaws and sharp teeth and that include some used for food