WordGarden.iopiranha
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pərˈɑːnə/
US
- /pɪˈrænhə/
Meanings
Noun
a small South American freshwater fish with sharp teeth
an aggressively predatory or ruthless person
Beyond the definition
The piranha isn't just a scary movie trope—it's a real freshwater fish native to South American rivers. Famous for their razor-sharp teeth and strong jaws, piranhas have a fearsome reputation. While they can be dangerous, especially when in large groups or during times of low water, they aren't always the relentless man-eaters shown in popular culture. They eat fish, insects, and other small animals, and they also feed on dead animals at times. Think of them as part hunter, part river cleanup crew, with a serious bite.
Piranhas are also frequently used metaphorically to describe someone or something ruthless and predatory—for instance, "He's like a piranha when it comes to business deals!" It's a vivid way to describe a cutthroat attitude, even if the fish themselves are more complex than the movies suggest.
The piranha is a carnivorous freshwater fish that lives in South American rivers, most notably the Amazon and Orinoco basins. They are renowned for their single row of extremely sharp teeth and powerful jaws—perfectly designed for tearing flesh. There are many different species of piranha, ranging in size from just a few inches to nearly two feet long.
While often depicted as ferocious predators constantly seeking human prey, the reality is more nuanced. Piranhas primarily feed on fish, insects, crustaceans, and carrion (dead animals). Attacks on humans do occur, but they are relatively rare and usually happen only during periods of low water levels where food is scarce or when the fish feel threatened.
The term "piranha" has become a popular metaphor for anything aggressive, ruthless, or predatory. You might describe a competitive salesperson as having a "piranha-like" approach to closing deals, or a swarm of lawyers descending on a case as a "school of piranhas."
Historically, indigenous groups have used piranha teeth as tools, and the fish have also been used as food in some areas. Today, they are sometimes kept as aquarium fish, though this requires specialized care and a high-protein diet. Ultimately, while the image of a piranha might conjure up fear, it's a fascinating creature with a vital role in its ecosystem—and a story that goes far beyond the Hollywood hype.
Examples
- 1
Aquarium
We saw a piranha at the aquarium.
- 2
Fish group
A school of piranhas moved quickly through the dark water.
- Phrasea school of piranhas
a group of piranhas
- 3
Aggressive comparison
The reporters circled the actor like piranhas.
- Phraselike piranhas
very aggressively, as if ready to attack
See also
Similar
- caribe
Shades of meaning
- flesh-eating fish
- razor-toothed fish
Contrast
- herbivorous fish
Used with (collocations)
- school of piranhas
- piranha attack
- piranha teeth
Explore
- predatory fish
- red-bellied piranha
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- piranhanoun
Forms
- piranhaspluralnoun