noun
armadillo
ah-muh-DIH-loh
Armadillo (noun) means a burrowing mammal native to the Americas, covered in tough, jointed armor-like plates. Example: “An armadillo curled into a tight ball when the dog got close.”
noun
1
A burrowing mammal native to the Americas, covered in tough, jointed armor-like plates.
"An armadillo curled into a tight ball when the dog got close."
"Armadillos are known for digging extensive burrows with their strong claws."
How to use armadillo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, plated mammal that looks like it's wearing its own suit of armor.
Memory tip
The name literally means "little armored thing" in Spanish — picturing the plates on its back makes the word easy to remember.
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Word forms
- Plural
- armadillos, armadilloes
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An _____ curled into a tight ball when the dog got close.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish armadillo, literally "little armored one," a diminutive of armado ("armored") — a nod to the animal's bony, shell-like plates.
Rhymes for armadillo
See all rhymes for armadillo →Frequently asked questions
What does “armadillo” mean?
The word “armadillo” means a burrowing mammal native to the Americas, covered in tough, jointed armor-like plates. In plain terms, a small, plated mammal that looks like it's wearing its own suit of armor.
How do you pronounce “armadillo”?
“Armadillo” is pronounced ah-muh-DIH-loh (/ɑɹməˈdɪloʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “armadillo” in a sentence?
Here is “armadillo” used in a sentence: “An armadillo curled into a tight ball when the dog got close.”
What part of speech is “armadillo”?
“Armadillo” is a noun.
Where does the word “armadillo” come from?
The word “armadillo” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish armadillo, literally "little armored one," a diminutive of armado ("armored") — a nod to the animal's bony, shell-like plates.
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