terrapin

noun

ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən 

: any of various aquatic turtles (family Emydidae)

especially : diamondback terrapin

Illustration of terrapin

Examples of terrapin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Diamondback terrapins are officially listed as a threatened species under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

Diamondback terrapins and dolphins reside in the local salt marshes that surround the island. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026

Long before the cronut and everything being Dubai-flavored, a craze for terrapin soup swept across the eastern seaboard in the 19th century. — James Stout, Outside, 29 Mar. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrapin

• diamondback terrapin

Rhymes for terrapin

• happen
• lapin

Kids Definition

terrapin

noun

ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən 

ˈtar-

: any of various North American turtles living in fresh or somewhat salty water