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
Straight leg denim overalls feature tortoise shell buttons and 5-pocket jeans have double-layer knee patches for extra durability.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
In addition to the eel pit, Tobler cares for dozens of other animals, including tortoises, lizards and an endangered Australian lungfish.
—Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Sep. 2025
My career has been very much like the tortoise, slow and steady wins the race.
—Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Expect to see lots of rock exhibits and stuffed animals, including a replica of a Glyptodon, an armadillo-like mammal with a large, tortoise-like shell.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortoise
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Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
In addition to the eel pit, Tobler cares for dozens of other animals, including tortoises, lizards and an endangered Australian lungfish.
—Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Sep. 2025
My career has been very much like the tortoise, slow and steady wins the race.
—Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Expect to see lots of rock exhibits and stuffed animals, including a replica of a Glyptodon, an armadillo-like mammal with a large, tortoise-like shell.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortoise
Cite this Entry
“Tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortoise. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tortoise
noun
tor·toise
ˈtȯrt-əs 
: turtle entry 2
especially
: a land-dwelling turtle
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