snapping turtle

noun

: either of two large American freshwater turtles (family Chelydridae) with a large head, powerful jaws, a long tail, and a strong musky odor:

a

: one (Chelydra serpentina) that has the head covered with smooth skin, has large plates in a double row on the underside of the tail, and is distributed from eastern Canada to Central America

b

: alligator snapping turtle

Illustration of snapping turtle

• snapping turtle a

Examples of snapping turtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Be aware of natural hazards: In lakes, ponds, or rivers, watch out for creatures such as water snakes, snapping turtles, or even alligators in southern regions. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

Turtles heal slowly due to their metabolism, so this snapping turtle is expected to remain in the care of the center for about three weeks. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025

And snapping turtles, which inhabit the pond, add another threat. —Anne Readel, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 June 2025

The flowers, which are shaped like a snapping turtle’s head, are held on erect stems flanked with leathery green leaves. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for snapping turtle

• infertile
• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• myrtle

Kids Definition

snapping turtle

noun

: either of two large American freshwater turtles that have a large head, powerful jaws, and a long tail