snapping turtle

American  

noun

1. either of two large, edible, freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae, of North and Central America, having a large head and powerful hooked jaws, especially the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

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snapping turtle British  

noun

1. Also called: snapper.  any large aggressive North American river turtle of the family Chelydridae, esp Chelydra serpentina ( common snapping turtle ), having powerful hooked jaws and a rough shell

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Etymology

Origin of snapping turtle

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Compare meaning

How does snapping-turtle compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• snapping turtle vs. alligator snapping turtle

Example Sentences

A snapping turtle emerges and settles a few feet away.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

Like a snapping turtle or a yellow-billed cuckoo, we humans, Homo constructus, would perish on the roads we built.

From Slate • May 25, 2024

While it is not illegal to own an alligator snapping turtle, vets do not recommend keeping them as pets due their complicated needs.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2024

Santore was kayaking on the Chicago River near Division Street and the east side of Goose Island when he spotted a rather imposing common snapping turtle likely sunning himself on a bed of rusted chains.

From National Geographic • May 16, 2023

“Now wiggle the stick in front of the little guy. Pretend you’re a fish or a snapping turtle or something.”

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine