plural tarpon or tarpons
: a large silvery elongated 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
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The area is also known for some of the best tarpon fishing in the world.
—
Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026
From massive tarpons in the Gulf to record-breaking redfish hiding in the marsh, the island boasts access to more than 280 species of fish and year-round angling.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
The night after the full moon, the tarpon might not bite until an hour after sunset.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
Although the spring is widely considered to be the prime season for tarpon, Key Limey owner and guide Tony Murphy says that, thanks to climate change, the Keys are now a year-round fishery.
—Robert Annis, Outside, 22 Nov. 2025
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Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026
From massive tarpons in the Gulf to record-breaking redfish hiding in the marsh, the island boasts access to more than 280 species of fish and year-round angling.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
The night after the full moon, the tarpon might not bite until an hour after sunset.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
Although the spring is widely considered to be the prime season for tarpon, Key Limey owner and guide Tony Murphy says that, thanks to climate change, the Keys are now a year-round fishery.
—Robert Annis, Outside, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tarpon
Cite this Entry
“Tarpon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarpon. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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