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

Dome-shaped, like a furry armadillo, and ranging from the size of a large cat to a small border collie, raccoons sport a mask of black fur around their eyes surrounded by a halo of white, set above long thick whiskers. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Recently, researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University drew inspiration from the armadillo and its unique self-defense mechanism. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 June 2026

Sightings of Bon Secour’s resident nesting sea turtles, endangered Alabama beach mice, more than 350 species of migratory birds, foxes, armadillos, and more are common. — Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

Nature spent millions of years perfecting the armadillo, the armored mammal. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 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