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

This dark polish features some serious purple undertones that pair well with a tortoise shell accent nail. —Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

The Tortoise and the Hare The race between a very fast hare and a very slow tortoise teaches kids the importance of sportsmanship and determination. —Alex Vance, Parents, 2 Jan. 2026

Walk the trails, look for birds and tortoises, and admire native plants and trees. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

Along with hawksbill and green sea turtles, the island is home to over 150 giant Aldaba tortoises who roam freely, under the protection of the Island Conservation Society. —Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025

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