giant tortoise

noun

: any of various large long-lived herbivorous land tortoises (genus Geochelone) formerly common on the islands of the western Indian Ocean and on the Galápagos Islands

Examples of giant tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The adult giant tortoises, which can weigh up to 550 pounds, roam free on the island. Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 But even though giant tortoises are known for their exceptionally long lives, they may be outranked by an elusive creature of the deep. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 Seychelles giant tortoises average a 150-year life span, and related species can be similarly long-lived. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024 Other sustainability initiatives include habitat restoration on Santa Cruz Island for the endangered Galápagos giant tortoise, a project Ecoventura launched on Earth Day 2024. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for giant tortoise 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of giant tortoise was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near giant tortoise

Cite this Entry

“Giant tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giant%20tortoise. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

giant tortoise

noun
: any of various large plant-eating tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and islands of the western Indian Ocean
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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