terrapin

noun

ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən 

: any of various aquatic turtles (family Emydidae)

especially : diamondback terrapin

Illustration of terrapin

Examples of terrapin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While native fauna spans from the northern river terrapin to the Asian small-clawed otter, the park is best known for one animal in particular: the Bengal tiger. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

The Baltimore brewery is teaming up with UMD to release Testudo Premium Lager, a beer named after the university’s terrapin mascot. —Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024

Diamondback terrapins and dolphins reside in the local salt marshes that surround the island. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2024

Oysters, terrapin shells and duck bones found in the backyard offer a clue, according to Sarah Groesbeck, who conducted research on the homes. —Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier torope, from Virginia Algonquian *to·rəpe·w

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrapin

• diamondback terrapin

Rhymes for terrapin

• happen
• lapin

Kids Definition

terrapin

noun

ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən 

ˈtar-

: any of various North American turtles living in fresh or somewhat salty water