platypus

noun

platy·​pus ˈpla-ti-pəs How to pronounce platypus (audio) -ˌpu̇s How to pronounce platypus (audio)
plural platypuses also platypi ˈpla-ti-ˌpī How to pronounce platypus (audio)
-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

Illustration of platypus

Illustration of platypus

Examples of platypus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the snout would have nothing to do with birds at all—a beak-like structure that evolved separately from birds, similar to the way the platypus arrived at its bill. — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026 Echidnas, similar to the platypus, are monotremes, egg-laying mammals, and typically produce only one egg per breeding season, which incubates in the mother’s pouch, according to the San Diego Wildlife Alliance. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 July 2026 Placebo, loukoumi, kouglof, toda raba, Sharapova, tempura, cacao, platypus, shrub, castagnette, potato salada, potage piquant pékinois. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 Then, when the younger kids start to miss their parents, Daniel and his platypus friend Jodi have to take on the role of older siblings to reassure the little ones. — Parents, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for platypus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek platypous flat-footed, from platys broad, flat + pous foot — more at place, foot

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of platypus was in 1799

Phrases Containing platypus

Rhymes for platypus

See All Rhymes for platypus

Browse Nearby Words

Platyptera
platypus
platypusary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

platypus

noun
platy·​pus ˈplat-i-pəs How to pronounce platypus (audio) -ˌpu̇s How to pronounce platypus (audio)
plural platypuses also platypi -ˌpī How to pronounce platypus (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on platypus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about platypus

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