desert tortoise

noun

: a large burrowing land tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico

Examples of desert tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Mojave National Preserve and other park officials have also urged visitors to be aware of local wildlife that may become active following the rainfall, like desert tortoises. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 The statement will evaluate how the new airport may affect the local environment, such as desert tortoises and rare wildflowers. Jessica Puckett, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 The Mojave National Preserve also asked people to be on the lookout for desert tortoises, which emerge after rain to hydrate and eat the vegetation. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 One concern, according to the local newspaper The Nevada Current, is whether the airport will threaten endangered species in the Ivanpah Valley, including the desert tortoise and the rare white-margined beardtongue wildflower. Jessica Puckett, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for desert tortoise

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of desert tortoise was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Desert tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desert%20tortoise. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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