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

After spending the morning coming face-to-face with piranhas—and being well-versed in the presence of caimans and stingrays—leaping into waters the color of English breakfast tea required a certain suspension of survival instincts. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

The piranha wouldn't have survived in the lake for very long, an official said. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

In August 2024, Banksy transformed a City of London police sentry box into a piranha tank through an elaborate series of murals. — News Desk, Artforum, 10 Aug. 2026

Westminster City Council spent almost £60,000 securing and managing a Banksy statue installed near Trafalgar Square, while removing his 2024 piranha mural from a City of London police sentry box cost £2,200. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

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