First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1carp
verb \ˈkärp\
: to complain in an annoying way
Full Definition of CARP
intransitive verb
: to find fault or complain querulously
— carp·er noun
See carp defined for English-language learners
See carp defined for kids
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Origin of CARP
Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic karpa to dispute
Related to CARP
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, complain, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
2carp
noun
3carp
noun
plural carp or carps
Definition of CARP
1
: a large variable Asian soft-finned freshwater cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio) of sluggish waters that is often raised for food and has been widely introduced into United States waters; also : any of various related cyprinid fishes (as the grass carp)
2
: a fish (as the European sea bream) resembling a carp
Origin of CARP
Middle English carpe, from Middle French, from Late Latin carpa, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German karpfo carp
First Known Use: 15th century
CARP Defined for Kids
1carp
verb \ˈkärp\
carpedcarp·ing
Definition of CARP for Kids
: to complain in an annoying way
2carp
noun
Definition of CARP for Kids
: a freshwater fish that lives a long time and is often used for food
Learn More About CARP
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