noun

aardvark

AHD-vahk

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Aardvark (noun) means a nocturnal, burrowing African mammal that eats ants and termites and somewhat resembles a pig with a long snout. Example: “The aardvark uses its long, sticky tongue to slurp up thousands of termites a night.”

noun

A nocturnal, burrowing African mammal that eats ants and termites and somewhat resembles a pig with a long snout.

"The aardvark uses its long, sticky tongue to slurp up thousands of termites a night."

How to use aardvark

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strange-looking African animal that digs burrows and eats ants and termites.

Memory tip

It's famous in English dictionaries and word lists simply for being one of the first words alphabetically.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: aardvarks

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The _____ uses its long, sticky tongue to slurp up thousands of termites a night.

Etymology

From Afrikaans aardvark, literally "earth pig" — from aarde ("earth") and vark ("pig") — because Dutch settlers in South Africa thought the burrowing animal resembled a pig.

Origin: Dutch

Synonyms

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anteater ant bear

Related words

anteater numbat echidna pangolin

Frequently asked questions

What does “aardvark” mean?

The word “aardvark” means a nocturnal, burrowing African mammal that eats ants and termites and somewhat resembles a pig with a long snout. In plain terms, a strange-looking African animal that digs burrows and eats ants and termites.

How do you pronounce “aardvark”?

“Aardvark” is pronounced AHD-vahk (/ˈɑɹd.vɑɹk/ in IPA).

How do you use “aardvark” in a sentence?

Here is “aardvark” used in a sentence: “The aardvark uses its long, sticky tongue to slurp up thousands of termites a night.”

What part of speech is “aardvark”?

“Aardvark” is a noun.

Where does the word “aardvark” come from?

The word “aardvark” comes from Dutch. From Afrikaans aardvark, literally "earth pig" — from aarde ("earth") and vark ("pig") — because Dutch settlers in South Africa thought the burrowing animal resembled a pig.

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Vocabulary lists that include aardvark:

Words with Dutch origins Words that end with K

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