barracuda

[ bar-uh-koo-duh ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) bar·ra·cu·da, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) bar·ra·cu·das bar·ra·cu·das

1. any of several elongated, predaceous, tropical and subtropical marine fishes of the genus Sphyraena, certain species of which are used for food.
2. Slang. a treacherous, greedy person.

barracuda

/ ˌbærəˈkjuːdə /

noun

1. any predatory marine teleost fish of the mostly tropical family Sphyraenidae , esp Sphyraena barracuda . They have an elongated body, strong teeth, and a protruding lower jaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of barracuda¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Latin American Spanish; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of barracuda¹

C17: from American Spanish, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

They were followed by a number of fishes that are common consumed by these penguins, including barracuda, anchovy, sardine, herring and zooplankton.

From Salon

It looked like the tip had been gnawed off by a barracuda.

From Literature

At first, she thought it might be a barracuda but that didn’t seem right, so she posted a photo of it on Twitter and asked what it could be.

From Seattle Times

Every day, hundreds of fishermen leave its pristine beaches to try their luck, hoping to catch swordfish, small sharks or barracuda from their slender, colorful wooden boats with names like “God,” “King” or their hometowns.

From New York Times

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, Blue moved through downtown like a barracuda in a shoal of baitfish, dodging open car doors, nipping through gaps in traffic, gliding through intersections.

From Washington Post