tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯr-təs 

1

: any of a family (Testudinidae) of terrestrial turtles

broadly : turtle

2

: someone or something regarded as slow or laggard

Examples of tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The book includes cats and dogs, of course, but there are some unexpected appearances: a tortoise, rat, donkey, pig, bird, a few goats and a cow. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

The 360-acre preserve adjacent to the LEC and Deltona Regional Library is home to a variety of wildlife, including Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, which are drawn to the low vegetation and sandy ridges of the scrub habitat. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024

In one, a tortoise's shell is painted half hot pink and half royal blue. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

The chickens, lizard and tortoise, though, would have to stay with a friend in San Bernardino. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tortu, tortuse, from Anglo-French tortue — more at turtle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tortoise

• desert tortoise
• giant tortoise
• tortoise beetle

Kids Definition

tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯrt-əs 

: turtle entry 2

especially : a land-dwelling turtle