diamondback terrapin

American  

noun

1. any of several edible turtles of the genus Malaclemys, found in tidewaters of the eastern and southern U.S., having diamond-shaped markings on the back.

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Etymology

Origin of diamondback terrapin

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

It turned out to be a diamondback terrapin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin is alive and kicking — with all six of its legs — at the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center in Massachusetts after hatching two weeks ago.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2021

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin turtle is alive and kicking - with all six of its legs - at the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center in Massachusetts after hatching two weeks ago.

From Washington Times • Oct. 12, 2021

This undated photo provided on Friday, July 15, 2016, from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey shows a diamondback terrapin turtle on a JFK airport runway in New York.

From US News • Jul. 15, 2016

While gliding through the bay this time of year you might spot a diamondback terrapin laying her eggs in the sand dunes or glimpse the increasingly rare Monarch butterfly as it migrates north.

From New York Times • May 28, 2015