noun
barracuda
ba-ruh-KOO-duh
Barracuda (noun) means a long, fast-swimming predatory fish with a projecting jaw and sharp, fang-like teeth. Example: “A barracuda darted past the divers near the reef.”
noun
1
A long, fast-swimming predatory fish with a projecting jaw and sharp, fang-like teeth.
"A barracuda darted past the divers near the reef."
"Barracuda are known for their aggressive hunting style."
2
(informal) Someone who competes in a ruthless, aggressive way.
"In business meetings he was a real barracuda, circling for any weakness in the deal."
How to use barracuda
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp-toothed predatory fish, or, figuratively, a ruthlessly competitive person.
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Word forms
- Plural
- barracudas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ darted past the divers near the reef.
Etymology
Borrowed in the 1670s from Latin American Spanish barracuda, possibly from a Caribbean indigenous language.
Class of 1670
barracuda joined the language around 1670.
See the full Class of 1670 →
Rhymes for barracuda
See all rhymes for barracuda →Frequently asked questions
What does “barracuda” mean?
The word “barracuda” means a long, fast-swimming predatory fish with a projecting jaw and sharp, fang-like teeth. In plain terms, a sharp-toothed predatory fish, or, figuratively, a ruthlessly competitive person.
How do you pronounce “barracuda”?
“Barracuda” is pronounced ba-ruh-KOO-duh (/ˌbæɹəˈkuːdə/ in IPA).
How do you use “barracuda” in a sentence?
Here is “barracuda” used in a sentence: “A barracuda darted past the divers near the reef.”
What part of speech is “barracuda”?
“Barracuda” is a noun.
Where does the word “barracuda” come from?
The word “barracuda” dates back to around 1670 and comes from Latin. Borrowed in the 1670s from Latin American Spanish barracuda, possibly from a Caribbean indigenous language.
How many meanings does “barracuda” have?
“Barracuda” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, fast-swimming predatory fish with a projecting jaw and sharp, fang-like teeth.
