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

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

Inside Thirsty Turtle, the familiar wall décor (neon beer signs, sports pennants, painting of a brew-hoisting terrapin, framed Leonard VerMeer photo collage) are back in place. —Matt Wake | [e-mail], al, 16 Mar. 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

Kids Definition

terrapin

noun

ter·​ra·​pin ˈter-ə-pən 

ˈtar-

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