piranha

noun

pi·​ra·​nha pə-ˈrä-nə 

-ˈrän-yə,

-ˈran- 

plural piranhas or piranha

: any of various usually small South American characin fishes (genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus) that have very sharp teeth, often appear in schools, and include some that may attack and inflict dangerous wounds upon humans and large animals

called also caribe

Examples of piranha in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Biologist and aquatic ecology expert Edinbergh Caldas Oliveira said the behavior is common when piranhas are defending their nests, per the outlet. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

The story revolves around an ancient species of carnivorous piranhas that are unleashed in the lake, leading to a bloody and wild fight for survival among the unsuspecting revelers. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 28 Oct. 2025

Of course, no Amazon river cruise is complete without fishing for piranhas—not to eat, but to get an up-close glimpse of their colorful scales and razor-sharp teeth before returning them to the water. —Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 21 Oct. 2025

Expect a machete master class, fishing techniques, and jungle cooking that includes the aforementioned piranha and caiman. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tupi pirã́ja, pirã́nʸa, from pirá fish + ã́ja, ã́nʸa tooth

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for piranha

• ipecacuanha

Kids Definition

piranha

noun

pi·​ra·​nha pə-ˈran-yə  -ˈrän-(y)ə 

: any of various usually small flesh-eating South American freshwater fishes that have very sharp teeth, often occur in groups, and include some that may attack human beings and animals in the water