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

But do get outside and see the red-footed tortoises that live here and take a boat to the overwater spa bungalow for a calming facial or body treatment. —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 6 Feb. 2026

The nearly 50-year-old tortoise goes into a form of hibernation called brumation around Thanksgiving, KUSI reported. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Animal lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, dolphins, and all kinds of birds (the park is located on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail). —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026

All of the zoo's giant land tortoises and lizards that have access to the outdoors will be secured indoors in a heated structure, while the crocodilians will have access to constantly flowing water, Magill said. —Dan Peck, ABC News, 30 Jan. 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