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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
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
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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
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