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

Years of poling clients to victory in his skiff kept his schedule booked nearly every day with anglers wanting to catch one of the Keys’ cherished sportfish — bonefish, permit or tarpon. —Patrick Farrell, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2024

The monster threw himself into the air with the power of a tarpon and the speed of a rainbow trout. —Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 27 June 2024

The pair divorced two years later and Gratia received the property, where, for the following years, the U.S. Department of Fisheries used the island to study tarpon. —Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2024

Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada Islamorada, mile marker 77.5 No trip through the Upper Keys is complete without a stop to feed the tarpon. —Gwen Filosa, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined above

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