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

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."

(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 notes

In plain EnglishA sharp-toothed predatory fish, or, figuratively, a ruthlessly competitive person.

Word forms

barracuda plural, barracudas plural

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A _____ darted past the divers near the reef.

Etymology

Borrowed in the 1670s from Latin American Spanish barracuda, possibly from a Caribbean indigenous language.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1670

Class of 1670 barracuda joined the language around 1670.

banter legislature logbook

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Rhymes for barracuda

Buda Ruda Gouda Okuda garuda Yehuda Fukuda Yasuda Bermuda Matsuda

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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.