Definition of terrapin
:any of various aquatic turtles (family Emydidae);
especially
:diamondback terrapin
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Recent Examples of terrapin from the Web
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A crocodile, three alligator snapping turtles and five diamond back terrapins also were seized from Franco over the past year, the Times reported.
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The slow-moving culprits were diamondback terrapins, a turtle species that spends most of its time in neighboring Jamaica Bay, Queens — that is, until mating season comes around.
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Registration includes choice of two of the following: bay fishing, crabbing, clamming, kayaking, nature journaling and terrapin talk.
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Morning and afternoon sessions include instruction in fishing, crabbing, clamming, kayaking, nature journals and a talk on terrapins.
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Diamondback terrapins, which live along the coast from Texas to New England, are the only U.S. turtle that lives in brackish waters.
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The diamondback terrapin nests were dug up to protect the eggs during restoration of Cheniere Ronquille after the 2010 oil spill.
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The Terrapins had two coaches recently watching a Bryant practice - former Alabama staffer Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, the defensive backs coach and receivers coach Chris Beatty.
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The Terrapins (30-13) have hit the 30-win mark for the sixth consecutive season, extending the program's current school record streak.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terrapin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of terrapin
Origin and Etymology of terrapin
alteration of earlier torope, from Virginia Algonquian *to·rəpe·w
TERRAPIN Defined for English Language Learners
terrapin
play
noun
Definition of terrapin for English Language Learners
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: a kind of small turtle that lives in water
TERRAPIN Defined for Kids
terrapin
play
noun
ter·ra·pin
\
ˈter-ə-pən
\
Definition of terrapin for Students
:a North American turtle that lives in or near fresh or somewhat salty water
Learn More about terrapin
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Spanish Central: Translation of terrapin Nglish: Translation of terrapin for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrapin
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