tarpon

noun

tar·​pon ˈtär-pən How to pronounce tarpon (audio)
plural tarpon or tarpons
: a large silvery elongated bony fish (Megalops atlanticus of the family Megalopidae) that occurs especially in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and warm coastal waters of the Atlantic, reaches a length of about six feet (two meters), and is often caught for sport

Examples of tarpon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The footage also showed them fishing and holding the tarpon for several minutes. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 The area is also known for some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026 From massive tarpons in the Gulf to record-breaking redfish hiding in the marsh, the island boasts access to more than 280 species of fish and year-round angling. Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025 With its surrounding waters also rich in game fish like tarpon, Nyanga will additionally launch the first full season of its exclusive international catch-and-release sport fishery in 2026. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tarpon

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tarpon was in 1685

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Cite this Entry

“Tarpon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarpon. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

tarpon

noun
tar·​pon ˈtär-pən How to pronounce tarpon (audio)
plural tarpon or tarpons
: a large silvery sport fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean

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