pangolin

noun

pan·​go·​lin ˈpaŋ-gə-lən 

ˈpan-

: any of a family (Manidae of the order Pholidota) of Asian and African toothless mammals having the body covered dorsally with large imbricated horny scales

called also scaly anteater

Illustration of pangolin

Examples of pangolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The secret life of pangolins These small and adorable mammals are one of the most trafficked animals in the world. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

Kenya has in the past fought against the trafficking of body parts of larger species of wild animals, including elephants, rhinos and pangolins. —Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2025

Authorities found an additional 148 bags of pangolin scales during a follow-up search two days later, officials said. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025

The trailer reveals that Thomas takes it upon himself to care for and nurture the pangolin so Kulu can return to the wild. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Malay dialect pĕngguling

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pangolin

noun

pan·​go·​lin ˈpaŋ-gə-lən 

ˈpan-

: any of several Asian and African toothless mammals having the body covered with large overlapping horny scales