aardvark

noun

aard·​vark ˈärd-ˌvärk 

: a large burrowing nocturnal mammal (Orycteropus afer) of sub-Saharan Africa that has a long snout, extensible tongue, powerful claws, large ears, and heavy tail and feeds especially on termites and ants

Illustration of aardvark

Examples of aardvark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wildlife lovers are welcome to spend their time searching for local fauna like the pangolin and aardvark, while those in need of a relaxing getaway can kick their feet up by the plunge pool or enjoy a glass of South African wine at twilight by the fire pit. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

There are others too: gorilla, aardvark, Himalayan blue sheep, the Giant Japanese Salamander and the Asian small-clawed otter, to name a few. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024

Zoo visitors can see that aardvark and its mom during wildlife presentations at the Africa Rocks stage. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024

But, as ambassadors of their species, the aardvarks could make appearances on behind-the-scenes tours. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from early Afrikaans aardvarken (modern erdvark), from aarde "earth" + vark "hog"; akin to Old English eorthe "earth" and to Old English fearh "young pig" — more at earth entry 1, farrow entry 1

Note: Current Afrikaans erdvark, as against early aardvarken, aardvark (with Afrikaans loss of the Dutch final syllable), reflects early competition in Afrikaans between standard Dutch aarde and the North/South Holland form erd(e) (with lengthened [e] or [ε]); as a simplex Afrikaans retains both with different senses: erd, "earth, clay," aarde "earth (the planet)."

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

aardvark

noun

aard·​vark ˈärd-ˌvärk 

: a large burrowing African mammal that feeds on insects and especially termites with its long sticky tongue

Etymology

from early Afrikaans (now erdvark), "earth pig"