armadillo

noun

ar·​ma·​dil·​lo ˌär-mə-ˈdi-(ˌ)lō 

plural armadillos

: any of a family (Dasypodidae) of burrowing edentate mammals found from the southern U.S. to Argentina and having the body and head encased in an armor of small bony plates

Illustration of armadillo

Examples of armadillo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The interactive venue allows visitors to pet and feed capybaras and view other exotic species, including ferrets, fennec foxes, and armadillos, with encounter prices starting at $59 per person. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, armadillos aren't aggressive toward people or other wildlife but may bite or scratch if handled. — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026

Tegus, said Braddy, may be like armadillos — an invasive species that just won't go away. — Mark Davis, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Other animals depicted in pinturas rupestres include armadillos, jaguars, and monkeys. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, noun derivative, with -illo, diminutive suffix, of armado, past participle of armar "to arm," going back to Latin armāre — more at arm entry 2

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for armadillo

• billow
• pillow
• caudillo

Kids Definition

armadillo

noun

ar·​ma·​dil·​lo ˌär-mə-ˈdil-ō 

plural armadillos

: any of several small burrowing mammals of warm parts of the Americas whose head and body are protected by hard bony armor