alligator snapping turtle
noun
variants
or alligator snapper
: a large freshwater turtle (Macrochelys temminckii synonym Macroclemys temminckii) of southeastern U.S. rivers that may reach nearly 150 pounds (68 kilograms) in weight and 31 inches (79 centimeters) in length and differs from the common snapping turtle in having a shell with three distinct ridges, a more triangular-shaped head, and a pink fleshy wormlike appendage in the mouth used as a lure
Examples of alligator snapping turtle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Last May, Weston and Kirkland accidently reeled in a 200-pound alligator snapping turtle while trying to catch a massive fish.
—
Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Maximus, a ginormous 125-year-old alligator snapping turtle that staff loved to swim with and who brought smiles to thousands of visitors, has died, N.C.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers the alligator snapping turtle to be one of the state’s endangered species.
—Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2024
More:Man catches 200-pound alligator snapping turtle followed by 188-pound alligator gar in Texas
Black bears
Encounters with black bears are becoming more common in Texas.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 6 June 2024
Read on for more, including a 200-pound alligator snapping turtle and new cost estimates on the Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
Today, two North American species, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle, remain.
—Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023
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.
Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Maximus, a ginormous 125-year-old alligator snapping turtle that staff loved to swim with and who brought smiles to thousands of visitors, has died, N.C.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers the alligator snapping turtle to be one of the state’s endangered species.
—Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2024
More:Man catches 200-pound alligator snapping turtle followed by 188-pound alligator gar in Texas
Black bears
Encounters with black bears are becoming more common in Texas.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 6 June 2024
Read on for more, including a 200-pound alligator snapping turtle and new cost estimates on the Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
Today, two North American species, the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle, remain.
—Paul Richards, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Alligator snapping turtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20snapping%20turtle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share