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
The alligator snapping turtle, which is the largest freshwater turtle in the country, can be as long as 29 inches and weigh up to 249 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
—
Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 19 July 2023
The Longview, Texas resident hooked a massive alligator snapping turtle on Father's Day, the biggest he's ever seen.
—Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022
However, since the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department considers the the alligator snapping turtle a threatened species worthy of being protected by the state, Broomhall decided to release the turtle back into the water, unharmed.
—Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022
The service proposed threatened status in April for the related Suwannee alligator snapping turtle, found in the Suwannee River basin in Georgia and Florida.
—Janet McConnaughey, sun-sentinel.com, 9 Nov. 2021
That includes a Burmese python that goes by Phil, and Rocko — an alligator snapping turtle that is among Levins’ favorites.
—Bill Jones, chicagotribune.com, 11 Oct. 2021
The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the Western Hemisphere.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 May 2021
Lord Fairfax, a 65-lb alligator snapping turtle, raised more than a few eyebrows when he was spotted lumbering through a residential neighborhood last week.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 June 2020
His species -- the alligator snapping turtle -- isn't native to the area.
—Resell Larthridge, CNN, 17 June 2020
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Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 19 July 2023
The Longview, Texas resident hooked a massive alligator snapping turtle on Father's Day, the biggest he's ever seen.
—Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022
However, since the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department considers the the alligator snapping turtle a threatened species worthy of being protected by the state, Broomhall decided to release the turtle back into the water, unharmed.
—Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022
The service proposed threatened status in April for the related Suwannee alligator snapping turtle, found in the Suwannee River basin in Georgia and Florida.
—Janet McConnaughey, sun-sentinel.com, 9 Nov. 2021
That includes a Burmese python that goes by Phil, and Rocko — an alligator snapping turtle that is among Levins’ favorites.
—Bill Jones, chicagotribune.com, 11 Oct. 2021
The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the Western Hemisphere.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 May 2021
Lord Fairfax, a 65-lb alligator snapping turtle, raised more than a few eyebrows when he was spotted lumbering through a residential neighborhood last week.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 June 2020
His species -- the alligator snapping turtle -- isn't native to the area.
—Resell Larthridge, CNN, 17 June 2020
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alligator snapping turtle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1876, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator snapping turtle was
in 1876
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Cite this Entry
“Alligator snapping turtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20snapping%20turtle. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.
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