noun
turpin
Turpin (noun) means an old, informal word for any land-dwelling tortoise. Example: “The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a turpin.”
noun
1
An old, informal word for any land-dwelling tortoise.
"The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a turpin."
How to use turpin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated, informal name for a tortoise that lives on land rather than in water.
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Word forms
- Plural
- turpins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a _____.
Etymology
Traced to Old French roots meaning "divine" combined with a word for an evergreen tree, later applied loosely to tortoises.
Frequently asked questions
What does “turpin” mean?
The word “turpin” means an old, informal word for any land-dwelling tortoise. In plain terms, a dated, informal name for a tortoise that lives on land rather than in water.
How do you use “turpin” in a sentence?
Here is “turpin” used in a sentence: “The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a turpin.”
What part of speech is “turpin”?
“Turpin” is a noun.
Where does the word “turpin” come from?
The word “turpin” comes from Old French. Traced to Old French roots meaning "divine" combined with a word for an evergreen tree, later applied loosely to tortoises.
