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

Byrne said most of the tortoises recovered by the shelter during summer months tend to be males, which are more likely to roam. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Anyone with even a passing interest in Earth’s beauty might feel jealous of Lewis’s sojourn with plentiful tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, and birds, and possibly even more jealous of Darwin’s trip. — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026

And What’s Not As with previous releases, the new frames come in a selection of colors, including classic black, classic tortoise, racing green, linen, merlot, mahogany and sandstone. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The new range starts at $299 and will be available in classic black, classic tortoise, racing green, linen, merlot, mahogany, and sandstone. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 23 June 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