giant tortoise

noun

: any of various large long-lived herbivorous land tortoises (genus Geochelone) formerly common on the islands of the western Indian Ocean and on the Galápagos Islands

Examples of giant tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More than 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises now make their home in the uninhabited Aldabra Atoll, up from 100,000 in the 1990s and just 1,000 in the late 19th century. — Matthew Bell, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026

But a few times in recent years, Hollins, a veterinarian, tricked Jonathan and slid a cotton swab into the giant tortoise's mouth to get a saliva sample. — Kyle Melnick The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

But a few times in recent years, Hollins, a veterinarian, tricked Jonathan and slid a cotton swab into the giant tortoise’s mouth to get a saliva sample. — Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2026

As many as 183,000 giant tortoises thrive in the Seychelles, a new survey has found. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for giant tortoise

• abortus
• fortis
• mortis

Kids Definition

giant tortoise

noun

: any of various large plant-eating tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and islands of the western Indian Ocean