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

Turtle expert Jordan Gray estimates the snapper weighs around 40 pounds—a pretty impressive weight for a common snapping turtle.

From National Geographic • May 16, 2023

His tree frog lived in the parlor, while his snapping turtle could be found tied to the laundry tub.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple