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
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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 Native to the islands that bear their name, Galápagos tortoises, also known as giant tortoises, often live to be over 100 years old, according to National Geographic. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 In the video, the contractor stopped in his tracks, confused about the giant tortoise slowly inching its way inside. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for giant tortoise

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of giant tortoise was circa 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Giant tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giant%20tortoise. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

giant tortoise

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