giant tortoise

noun

: any of various large long-lived herbivorous land tortoises (genus Geochelone) formerly common on the islands of the western Indian Ocean and on the Galápagos Islands

Examples of giant tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Imagine snorkeling with playful sea lions, walking alongside giant tortoises, and watching the famous blue-footed boobies dance right in front of you or the waved albatross performing their (goofy-looking) mating ritual. Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2024 On the Galápagos Islands, giant tortoises and iguanas rely on cacti as a primary food source. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024 Brazil's Ecosystems Are Under Threat — but These Eco-lodges Are Trying to Save Them Galápagos Islands, Ecuador These volcanic islands are world-famous for their diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and penguins. Lily Bunker, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2024 There, rats consumed so many giant tortoise eggs that only very old reptiles remained. Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for giant tortoise 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of giant tortoise was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near giant tortoise

Cite this Entry

“Giant tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giant%20tortoise. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

giant tortoise

noun
: any of various large plant-eating tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and islands of the western Indian Ocean
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