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

Some of the frame colors include ivory rock gloss, dark gray glass matte, light blue water matte, and brown tortoise gloss. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Other wildlife, such as tortoises and river otters, is constantly present too, the couple said. — David Caraccio updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Keep your eyes peeled for bobcats, foxes, gopher tortoises, pileated woodpeckers, and bald eagles. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

Meta is offering several colors, including tortoise, black and green, as well as transition, polarized and clear lenses. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 June 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