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barracuda

noun
bar·​ra·​cu·​da | \ ˌber-ə-ˈkü-də How to pronounce barracuda (audio) , ˌba-rə-\
plural barracuda or barracudas

Definition of barracuda

1 : any of a genus (Sphyraena of the family Sphyraenidae) of elongate predaceous often large bony fishes of warm seas that includes food and sport fishes as well as some forms frequently causing ciguatera poisoning
2 : one that uses aggressive, selfish, and sometimes unethical methods to obtain a goal especially in business
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about barracuda

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Synonyms & Antonyms for barracuda

Synonyms

fire-breather, fire-eater, pit bull, tiger

Antonyms

milquetoast

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Examples of barracuda in a Sentence

The company's lawyers are a bunch of barracudas. the governor-elect is too nice and easygoing, so he'll need a barracuda as his chief of staff

Recent Examples on the Web

 A half-shark, half-octopus battles a half-pterodactyl, half-barracuda. — Los Angeles Times, "Here are the feature and TV films airing the week of Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019," 11 Aug. 2019 Suddenly, from beneath the surface, a pink-skinned, orange-haired monster appears, succeeded soon afterward by another creature, with striped arms, an orchid on its head, and a barracuda dangling from its fishlike mouth. — Arthur Lubow, New York Times, "In Chicago, Overlooked Achievements by L.G.B.T.Q. Artists," 2 Aug. 2019 Above, unloading the catch that includes tuna, barracuda, sailfish and kingfish. — Matina Stevis-gridneff, WSJ, "Middle East Power Struggle Plays Out on New Stage," 1 June 2018 Giant Nile crocodiles, aggressive bull sharks and enormous barracudas are all frequently spotted in the lagoon. — Alexandra Wexler, WSJ, "A Next-Level Safari Vacation: The Africa Few Adventurers See," 9 May 2018 Snorkelers have seen a variety of creatures, including large barracuda and tarpon. — Bob Rountree And Bonnie Gross, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Monroe County: Florida Keys offers miles of snorkeling grandeur," 6 May 2018 The island’s sole eateries are the Cotton House’s Beach Café and more formal Veranda restaurant, both turning out creative takes on Caribbean-style fare—don’t miss the barracuda sashimi and award-winning wine list at Veranda. — Dan Q. Dao, GQ, "Your Guide to Mustique, the Private Caribbean Island Where You Can Stay in David Bowie's Former Villa," 25 Mar. 2018 Baskets of mackerel, piles of squid, tuna, barracuda and glistening octopus are artfully arranged on ceramic tiles. — Mary Winston Nicklin, USA TODAY, "Tour the Darajani Market in Zanzibar, Tanzania," 13 Mar. 2018 When the sun rises, the place is peaceful, as the lagoon laps at its mangrove forest and barracuda, snapper and grouper enjoy the solitude. — Helene Cooper, New York Times, "My Liberia: A Vacation Paradise," 1 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barracuda.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of barracuda

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for barracuda

American Spanish

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More Definitions for barracuda

barracuda

noun
How to pronounce barracuda (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of barracuda

: a kind of fierce tropical fish that has strong jaws and sharp teeth
US, informal + disapproving : someone who uses aggressive, harsh, and sometimes improper ways to achieve something

See the full definition for barracuda in the English Language Learners Dictionary

barracuda

noun
bar·​ra·​cu·​da | \ ˌber-ə-ˈkü-də\

Kids Definition of barracuda

: any of several large fierce marine fishes of warm seas that have strong jaws and sharp teeth

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