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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On the practical side, MVBC’s biologists might check desert tortoise fencing for gaps, ensure trenches have escape ramps so wildlife can climb out, and that holes are covered to prevent smaller animals from getting trapped. William Jones, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025 That’s no longer allowed, but the experience inspired her to keep a small desert tortoise as a pet and learn more about tortoise conservation. Jaimie Ding, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025 That's no longer allowed, but the experience inspired her to keep a small desert tortoise as a pet and learn more about tortoise conservation. CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025 Last month was the Mojave Desert Land Trust because Outside featured their conservation work for desert tortoises. R29 Team, Refinery29, 19 Sep. 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 17 Dec. 2025.

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