noun
tadpole
TAD-pohl
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.”
noun
1
The tailed, legless larval stage of a frog or toad that lives in water and breathes through gills.
"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.
Common pairings
tadpoles in a pond
turn into a frog
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Word forms
- Plural
- tadpoles
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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
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pollywog
polliwog
porriwiggle
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.
