barracuda

noun

bar·​ra·​cu·​da ˌber-ə-ˈkü-də 

ˌba-rə-

plural barracuda or barracudas

1

: any of a genus (Sphyraena of the family Sphyraenidae) of elongated predaceous often large bony fishes of warm seas that includes food and sport fishes as well as some forms frequently causing ciguatera poisoning

2

: one that uses aggressive, selfish, and sometimes unethical methods to obtain a goal especially in business

Synonyms of barracuda

• tiger

Examples of barracuda in a Sentence

The company's lawyers are a bunch of barracudas.

the governor-elect is too nice and easygoing, so he'll need a barracuda as his chief of staff

Recent Examples on the Web

At just below 60 feet, Dickie’s Reef is a haven for barracuda, parrotfish, butterfly fish, crab and lobsters. —Adrienne Jordan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Pelagic fish like black tip reef sharks, grouper, and barracuda are commonly seen patrolling its superstructure. —Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 5 Nov. 2025

While here, divers can see a veritable rainbow of Keys marine life, encompassing barracudas, turtles, coral, and more. —Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

The great barracuda, in particular, is known for its speed and fearsome array of needlelike teeth that can swiftly slice through prey. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

barracuda

noun

bar·​ra·​cu·​da ˌbar-ə-ˈküd-ə 

plural barracuda or barracudas

: any of several large fierce marine fishes of warm seas that have strong jaws and sharp teeth and that include some used for food