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

Painted in 1906, the piece depicts an Ottoman-era dervish training tortoises, often interpreted as a reflection on patience, reform, and the slow pace of change during the final years of the empire. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

My backyard tortoise, Philbert, has been most irascible and taken to his fainting couch (cardboard box). — Stat Staff, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026

Crystal blue water at the public beaches, kayaking near manatees, and the nearby Myakka River State Park, which is home to cranes, alligators, gopher tortoises, the elusive Florida panther, and hundreds of other species. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

The social media star appeared to be wearing the Jeffrey Campbell Agent tortoise vinyl peep-toe slide sandals to the event. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

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

Rhymes for tortoise

• fortis
• mortis
• abortus

Kids Definition

tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯrt-əs 

: turtle entry 2

especially : a land-dwelling turtle