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

While on the outside, the bone appears similar to echidna bones, the internal structure of the bone was more like that of the platypus. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025

The team found that internally, the fossil had characteristics of the semiaquatic platypus: a thicker bone wall and smaller central cavity. —Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025

But most mammals aside from the platypus and some snakes, lizards, fish, and amphibians give live birth. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

Jodi Platypus Jodi is a platypus who moves to the Daniel’s neighborhood with her mom, two brothers, and nana. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 19 Feb. 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