armadillo

noun

ar·​ma·​dil·​lo ˌär-mə-ˈdi-(ˌ)lō 

plural armadillos

: any of a family (Dasypodidae) of burrowing edentate mammals found from the southern U.S. to Argentina and having the body and head encased in an armor of small bony plates

Illustration of armadillo

Examples of armadillo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sloths like these once lived from Alaska to Argentina, and some species had bony structures on their backs, called osteoderms — a bit like the plates of modern armadillos — that may have been used to make decorations. —Christina Larson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

From the resilient armadillo to the majestic longhorn, each species embodies the spirit of the Lone Star State and serves as a reminder of our unique natural heritage. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Oct. 2024

Today more than 100 live within the preserve, many of which grow to 200 pounds, thanks to a steady diet of armadillos. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 7 May 2022

Although some research indicates up to 20 percent of armadillos are infected in some areas, most experts believe the risk of contracting Hansen’s disease from armadillos is low. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, noun derivative, with -illo, diminutive suffix, of armado, past participle of armar "to arm," going back to Latin armāre — more at arm entry 2

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

armadillo

noun

ar·​ma·​dil·​lo ˌär-mə-ˈdil-ō 

plural armadillos

: any of several small burrowing mammals of warm parts of the Americas whose head and body are protected by hard bony armor