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

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, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025

As a fun bonus, Angel and the staff also notified guests when there were tortoise sightings—nests are dotted across the island. —Jason Chau, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025

There are lots of different species of tortoises, and most of them require a lifelong commitment. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

For decades, field technicians have scoured the Mojave Desert monitoring threatened tortoises. —Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 20 Feb. 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