tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl 

: a larval amphibian

specifically : a frog or toad larva that has a rounded body with a long tail bordered by fins and external gills soon replaced by internal gills and that undergoes a metamorphosis to the adult

Illustration of tadpole

• tadpole in stages

Examples of tadpole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its prey includes aquatic insects, tiny crustaceans and the occasional small fish (see cover image) or tadpole. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Genetically modified, cannibal tadpoles may be the solution to Australia’s nearly century-old invasive cane toad problem. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025

Even the immature stages, or tadpoles, of Cuban treefrogs prey on the tadpoles of native species. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025

Weeks later, the nearly 250 tadpoles were successfully reared into frogs. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taddepol, from tode toad + polle head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tadpole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl 

: the larva of a frog or toad that has a rounded body and a long tail, breathes with gills, and lives in water

called also pollywog

Etymology

Middle English taddepol "tadpole," from tode "toad" and polle "head"

Word Origin

A young tadpole looks like a large head with a tail. In time it will develop back legs and then front legs. Finally it will lose its tail and become a toad or a frog. Our word for this immature form of a toad or frog comes from Middle English taddepol. This word was a combination of two others, tode, meaning "toad," and polle, meaning "head."