common carp

noun

: carp entry 3 sense 1a
Although the virtues of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are extolled throughout its native Europe and Asia, North Americans have long failed to appreciate this large, abundant minnow.Charles Lindsay, Audubon, September/October 2004

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common carp was in 1758

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near common carp

Cite this Entry

“Common carp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20carp. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!