noun
Uncommon
tortoise
TAW-tuhs
Tortoise (noun) means a land-dwelling reptile with a hard domed shell into which it can withdraw its head and legs for protection. Example: “The tortoise moved slowly across the garden.”
noun
1
A land-dwelling reptile with a hard domed shell into which it can withdraw its head and legs for protection.
"The tortoise moved slowly across the garden."
"Some tortoise species can live for over a hundred years."
How to use tortoise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slow-moving, shelled reptile that lives on land, as opposed to a turtle, which lives mostly in water.
Common mistake
In everyday British English "tortoise" is land-only; "turtle" is used for the water-dwelling relatives, though usage varies elsewhere.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- tortoises
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ moved slowly across the garden.
Etymology
From Middle English tortuse, from Medieval Latin tortuca, of uncertain deeper origin; the modern spelling was likely shaped by the similar word "porpoise."
Rhymes for tortoise
See all rhymes for tortoise →Frequently asked questions
What does “tortoise” mean?
The word “tortoise” means a land-dwelling reptile with a hard domed shell into which it can withdraw its head and legs for protection. In plain terms, a slow-moving, shelled reptile that lives on land, as opposed to a turtle, which lives mostly in water.
How do you pronounce “tortoise”?
“Tortoise” is pronounced TAW-tuhs (/ˈtɔɹ.təs/ in IPA).
How do you use “tortoise” in a sentence?
Here is “tortoise” used in a sentence: “The tortoise moved slowly across the garden.”
What part of speech is “tortoise”?
“Tortoise” is a noun.
Where does the word “tortoise” come from?
The word “tortoise” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle English tortuse, from Medieval Latin tortuca, of uncertain deeper origin; the modern spelling was likely shaped by the similar word "porpoise.".
Is “tortoise” a common word?
“Tortoise” is an uncommon word in modern English.
