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
While on the outside, the bone appears similar to echidna bones, the internal structure of the bone was more like that of the platypus.
—
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025
The team found that internally, the fossil had characteristics of the semiaquatic platypus: a thicker bone wall and smaller central cavity.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
But most mammals aside from the platypus and some snakes, lizards, fish, and amphibians give live birth.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
Jodi Platypus Jodi is a platypus who moves to the Daniel’s neighborhood with her mom, two brothers, and nana.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 19 Feb. 2025
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Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025
The team found that internally, the fossil had characteristics of the semiaquatic platypus: a thicker bone wall and smaller central cavity.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
But most mammals aside from the platypus and some snakes, lizards, fish, and amphibians give live birth.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
Jodi Platypus Jodi is a platypus who moves to the Daniel’s neighborhood with her mom, two brothers, and nana.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 19 Feb. 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 15 May. 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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