platypus

noun

platy·​pus ˈpla-ti-pəs  -ˌpu̇s 

plural platypuses also platypi ˈpla-ti-ˌpī 

-ˌpē

: a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail

called also duck-billed platypus

Illustration of platypus

Examples of platypus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To activate the campaign, Loewe launched a lantern festival at Nanjing‘s historical Yuyuan Garden, featuring adorable mascots such as the whimsical platypus, a contemplative horse, and a slender deer. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026

For just $42 Australian (about $27 US), visitors can explore the grounds and see koalas, dingoes, platypuses and lots of other kinds of animals living their best rescue lives. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

This unique spatula—which looks like a platypus—has a thin design and flexible head that reaches into nooks and crannies to remove every last morsel of food. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025

Many of the species — like the koala, platypus and echidna — aren’t found anywhere else. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek platypous flat-footed, from platys broad, flat + pous foot — more at place, foot

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platypus

• duck-billed platypus
• duckbill platypus

Rhymes for platypus

• blunderbuss
• octopus
• xenopus
• pithecanthropus
• puss

Kids Definition

platypus

noun

platy·​pus ˈplat-i-pəs  -ˌpu̇s 

plural platypuses also platypi -ˌpī 

-ˌpē

: a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail