tadpole
Tadpole (noun) means the tailed, legless larval stage of a frog or toad that lives in water and breathes through gills. Example: “The children scooped tadpoles from the pond into a jar.”
How to use tadpole
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA baby frog or toad, before it grows legs and loses its tail.
Word forms
tadpoles plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The children scooped _____ from the pond into a jar.
Etymology
From Middle English tadpolle, combining "toad" and "poll" (meaning "head") — a reference to the creature's large-headed, tailed shape.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for tadpole
See all rhymes for tadpole →Frequently asked questions
What does “tadpole” mean?
The word “tadpole” means the tailed, legless larval stage of a frog or toad that lives in water and breathes through gills. In plain terms, a baby frog or toad, before it grows legs and loses its tail.
How do you pronounce “tadpole”?
“Tadpole” is pronounced TAD-pohl (/ˈtædpoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “tadpole” in a sentence?
Here is “tadpole” used in a sentence: “The children scooped tadpoles from the pond into a jar.”
What is another word for “tadpole”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tadpole” include polliwog and porriwiggle.
What part of speech is “tadpole”?
“Tadpole” is a noun.
Where does the word “tadpole” come from?
The word “tadpole” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tadpolle, combining "toad" and "poll" (meaning "head") — a reference to the creature's large-headed, tailed shape.