piranha

noun

pi·​ra·​nha pə-ˈrä-nə 

-ˈrän-yə, 

-ˈran- 

plural piranhas or piranha

: any of various usually small South American characin fishes (genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus) that have very sharp teeth, often appear in schools, and include some that may attack and inflict dangerous wounds upon humans and large animals

called also caribe

Examples of piranha in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Harmon, who took to guarding Chavez like a hungry piranha coming off a fast, still wore her game face in postgame. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

The upstream piranhas attacked her, and her blood flowing downstream attracted the rest of the piranhas, leaving the creek clear for the herd to cross. —Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026

Super Mario Piranha Plant Building Set If the classic Lego flowers aren’t your thing, perhaps this piranha plant set from Super Mario will be more your speed. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

The story revolves around an ancient species of carnivorous piranhas that are unleashed in the lake, leading to a bloody and wild fight for survival among the unsuspecting revelers. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tupi pirã́ja, pirã́nʸa, from pirá fish + ã́ja, ã́nʸa tooth

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for piranha

• ipecacuanha

Kids Definition

piranha

noun

pi·​ra·​nha pə-ˈran-yə  -ˈrän-(y)ə 

: any of various usually small flesh-eating South American freshwater fishes that have very sharp teeth, often occur in groups, and include some that may attack human beings and animals in the water