tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯr-təs 

1

: any of a family (Testudinidae) of terrestrial turtles

broadly : turtle

2

: someone or something regarded as slow or laggard

Examples of tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 135 animals found at a ranch also included lions, buffalo, sulcata tortoises, spider monkeys, jaguars, an American bison and a green macaw. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

The Paris Texas Lidia mules are available in a wide range of colors including white, tortoise brown, silver and clear. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Tegu These fat, speckled lizards hail from Argentina and arrived in Florida with a hunger for eggs— alligator, turtle, tortoise and bird alike. — Alex Harris august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

The Tempo’s mascots are an interesting play on the tortoise and the hare. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tortu, tortuse, from Anglo-French tortue — more at turtle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tortoise

• desert tortoise
• giant tortoise
• tortoise beetle

Rhymes for tortoise

• fortis
• mortis
• abortus

Kids Definition

tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯrt-əs 

: turtle entry 2

especially : a land-dwelling turtle