Illustration of platypus
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈpla-ti-pəs 
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
ˈpla-ti-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
called also duck-billed platypus
Examples of platypus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This unique spatula—which looks like a platypus—has a thin design and flexible head that reaches into nooks and crannies to remove every last morsel of food.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025
Many of the species — like the koala, platypus and echidna — aren’t found anywhere else.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
However, a genus can also be monotypic, containing only one single, unique species such as a narwhal, ginkgo tree or platypus.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Is the platypus a better animal than any other?
—Patchen Barss, Quanta Magazine, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for platypus
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Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025
Many of the species — like the koala, platypus and echidna — aren’t found anywhere else.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
However, a genus can also be monotypic, containing only one single, unique species such as a narwhal, ginkgo tree or platypus.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Is the platypus a better animal than any other?
—Patchen Barss, Quanta Magazine, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for platypus
Cite this Entry
“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈplat-i-pəs
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
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