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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
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
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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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