DictionarytarponSilvery coastal fish
noun

tarpon

TAR-pun/tˈɑrpʌn/

A large silvery game fish of warm coastal waters.

The tarpon shows bright silver scales in the clear coastal water.

A single large tarpon in clear, shallow coastal water, shown in side profile with its distinctive silver scales, upturned mouth and trailing dorsal-fin ray clearly visible.
Etymology

The fish name has an uncertain origin, probably in a Native American language. No particular source word or original meaning is securely identified.

In context

WhereWiseMenFish2:23
I actually was able to reel in this huge tarpon and I was so amazed that I could do it and it was totally fun and such a great breathtaking experience.
170lb Tarpon at Silver King Lodge

More examples

  • Several tarpon swim through the warm, shallow bay.
  • She hopes to catch a tarpon on her next fishing trip.
  • The guide gently releases the tarpon back into the water.

Forms

tarpon · tarpons