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

The former medical examiner noted that evidence indicates Quatisha was bitten by other marine animals, including a snapping turtle. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

Namely, an orange snapping turtle inspired by our current president. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026

Meats run the gamut from bison and elk to exotic options like antelope, rabbit, rattlesnake, wild boar, yak, kangaroo, ostrich and snapping turtle. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2025

Many animals, such as snapping turtles, are misunderstood, Rafael said. —Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 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