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

Sightings of Bon Secour’s resident nesting sea turtles, endangered Alabama beach mice, more than 350 species of migratory birds, foxes, armadillos, and more are common. —Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025

By comparison, most modern armadillos are between eight and 20 pounds, with the largest weighing 132 pounds at the most. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Feb. 2025

Handle animals with care: Never grab an animal by its tail, such as turtles, rabbits and armadillos. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 19 June 2024

In addition to sloths and monkeys, Parque de Aventura is home to wild cats, anteaters, armadillos, and more than 100 species of birds. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025

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

Rhymes for armadillo

• billow
• pillow
• caudillo

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