American toad

noun

: a large common toad (Bufo americanus) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has brown to reddish-brown skin with areas of olive or gray, dark spots each containing one or two warts, and often a light strip down the middle of the back

The American toad breeds in March and April. Its song is a long, pleasant musical trill.

—John Manuel, Aububon, July–August 1998

Note: There are two subspecies of American toad, the Eastern American toad (Bufo americanus americanus) and the dwarf American toad (B. a. charlesmithi).

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!