tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl 

: a larval amphibian

specifically : a frog or toad larva that has a rounded body with a long tail bordered by fins and external gills soon replaced by internal gills and that undergoes a metamorphosis to the adult

Illustration of tadpole

• tadpole in stages

Examples of tadpole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ancient tadpole was huge—almost 16 centimeters long—which is slightly bigger than adults of the species that researchers have unearthed (as pictured above in an artist’s reconstruction). —Christie Wilcox, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

Available only just before torrential rains each year, the tadpoles are considered a local delicacy. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

The tadpole, belonging to the species Notobatrachus degiustoi, is an unusual six inches long. —Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

The oldest tadpole reveals evolutionary stability of the anuran life cycle. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taddepol, from tode toad + polle head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl 

: the larva of a frog or toad that has a rounded body and a long tail, breathes with gills, and lives in water

called also pollywog

Etymology

Middle English taddepol "tadpole," from tode "toad" and polle "head"

Word Origin

A young tadpole looks like a large head with a tail. In time it will develop back legs and then front legs. Finally it will lose its tail and become a toad or a frog. Our word for this immature form of a toad or frog comes from Middle English taddepol. This word was a combination of two others, tode, meaning "toad," and polle, meaning "head."