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

Baker returns as Perry, the Flynn-Fletcher family's pet platypus who moonlights as a secret agent for the all-animal spy group O.W.C.A. —EW.com, 7 June 2025

The long-beaked echidna is one of just five egg-laying mammals in existence today, including the platypus and two other species of modern echidna, the researchers said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 June 2025

Their pet platypus, Perry (Dee Bradley Baker), who continues his double life as the suave Agent P, who's always one step ahead of Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Dan Povenmire), the bumbling evil scientist trying to take over the Tri-State Area. —EW.com, 7 June 2025

Meanwhile, Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers, while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave Agent P. on a mission is to thwart evil. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 5 June 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