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
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Genetic testing confirmed these were hybrid tortoises descended from Floreana giant tortoises that must have accidentally wound up on the island after being put onboard a ship for food.
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Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2026
Two centuries ago, Floreana was home to approximately 20,000 giant tortoises.
—ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
If wildlife spotting and a sustainable stay are your top priority, this fall will also see the grand return of Fregate Island, a conservation sanctuary on a private island where Aldabra giant tortoises and hawksbill sea turtles roam.
—Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
That includes experiential travel companies like Cookson Adventures, whose private yacht charters to the Islands have supported the Galápagos Conservancy for the pink iguana, as well as giant tortoise programs for all species.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
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Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2026
Two centuries ago, Floreana was home to approximately 20,000 giant tortoises.
—ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
If wildlife spotting and a sustainable stay are your top priority, this fall will also see the grand return of Fregate Island, a conservation sanctuary on a private island where Aldabra giant tortoises and hawksbill sea turtles roam.
—Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
That includes experiential travel companies like Cookson Adventures, whose private yacht charters to the Islands have supported the Galápagos Conservancy for the pink iguana, as well as giant tortoise programs for all species.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for giant tortoise
Cite this Entry
“Giant tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giant%20tortoise. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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