Illustration of platypus
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈpla-ti-pəs 
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
ˈpla-ti-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
called also duck-billed platypus
Examples of platypus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2019, San Diego got two platypus, the only two known to live outside of Australia.
—
Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
Some of the animals at the park include giraffes, rhinos, tigers, platypuses, and elephants.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Fun fact: The Safari Park is the only place to see a platypus outside of Australia.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The ticket includes experiences like the Africa Tram, a relaxing tour to spot rhinos and giraffes, and Walkabout Australia to see kangaroos and platypuses.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
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Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
Some of the animals at the park include giraffes, rhinos, tigers, platypuses, and elephants.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Fun fact: The Safari Park is the only place to see a platypus outside of Australia.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The ticket includes experiences like the Africa Tram, a relaxing tour to spot rhinos and giraffes, and Walkabout Australia to see kangaroos and platypuses.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for platypus
Articles Related to platypus
Cite this Entry
“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈplat-i-pəs
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
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