tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯr-təs 

1

: any of a family (Testudinidae) of terrestrial turtles

broadly : turtle

2

: someone or something regarded as slow or laggard

Examples of tortoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sadly, by the time most humans turn 100, our parents aren't around anymore, as is likely the case for the tortoises. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025

During Hurricane Helene, then, the tortoises living on Egmont Key must have been swept out to sea. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025

The female tortoise has laid four clutches of eggs since 2023, but none have hatched, zoo officials said. —Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025

The 360-acre preserve adjacent to the LEC and Deltona Regional Library is home to a variety of wildlife, including Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises, which are drawn to the low vegetation and sandy ridges of the scrub habitat. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tortu, tortuse, from Anglo-French tortue — more at turtle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tortoise

• desert tortoise
• giant tortoise
• tortoise beetle

Rhymes for tortoise

• fortis
• mortis
• abortus

Kids Definition

tortoise

noun

tor·​toise ˈtȯrt-əs 

: turtle entry 2

especially : a land-dwelling turtle