tarpon

noun

tar·​pon ˈtär-pən 

plural tarpon or tarpons

: a large silvery elongate bony fish (Megalops atlanticus of the family Megalopidae) that occurs especially in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and warm coastal waters of the Atlantic, reaches a length of about six feet (two meters), and is often caught for sport

Examples of tarpon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Historically, most of the data recorded has been produced by roaming sportfish like tarpon or redfish, as well as sea turtles and other shark species like blacktips, bull sharks and sandbar sharks. —Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

The state record for the largest tarpon caught in the state is 243 pounds, the FWC says. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025

There are unique adventures that include painting alongside a sea lion, swimming with dolphins, and hand-feeding giant tarpon. —Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025

Robbie’s Marina: No trip through the Upper Keys is complete without a stop to feed the tarpon. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tarpon

• sharpen
• pilocarpine

Kids Definition

tarpon

noun

tar·​pon ˈtär-pən 

plural tarpon or tarpons

: a large silvery sport fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean