tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl 

: a larval amphibian

specifically : a frog or toad larva that has a rounded body with a long tail bordered by fins and external gills soon replaced by internal gills and that undergoes a metamorphosis to the adult

Illustration of tadpole

• tadpole in stages

Examples of tadpole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to base building, players will also build vehicles, including a new one called the tadpole. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

The study also found that tadpoles in the pre-metamorphic stage had higher microplastic contamination than those closer to becoming frogs, and that heavier tadpoles showed lower concentrations — suggesting ingestion rates may shift as the animals grow. —Ryan Brennan may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026

How does microplastic pollution affect wildlife like tadpoles? —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026

In Central Africa, goliath frogs—the world’s largest—have been found to push gravel and stones around to dam waterways and create peaceful ponds where their eggs and tadpoles will be safe from predators and rising water levels. —Ryan Huling, Time, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taddepol, from tode toad + polle head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tadpole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl 

: the larva of a frog or toad that has a rounded body and a long tail, breathes with gills, and lives in water

called also pollywog

Etymology

Middle English taddepol "tadpole," from tode "toad" and polle "head"

Word Origin

A young tadpole looks like a large head with a tail. In time it will develop back legs and then front legs. Finally it will lose its tail and become a toad or a frog. Our word for this immature form of a toad or frog comes from Middle English taddepol. This word was a combination of two others, tode, meaning "toad," and polle, meaning "head."