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

Along with the monument, Reichling added, the fire poses additional risks to Salt River Project powerlines in the area and wildlife like tortoises and deer. —Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 16 July 2024

At the time, Nicole was living in Larchmont, N.Y., with her husband David Mentzer, their three children, a dog, cats and a tortoise. —Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024

A bit further behind was Topsy the tortoise, who was spotted posing outside a polling station later this afternoon. —NBC News, 4 July 2024

Isabel Romero, who runs a nonprofit that breeds endangered river tortoises on the Claro Cocorná Sur River, recently opened a hippo-viewing concession, offering lunch and a boat ride to the Magdalena for about $100. —Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯrt-əs 

: turtle entry 2

especially : a land-dwelling turtle