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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Birds, unlike other species such as the giant tortoise, the Greenland shark or the bowhead whale, aren’t known for their longevity. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 Now the island has the greatest biodiversity in the BVIs, including seven types of Madagascan lemurs, giant tortoises, flamingos, and miniature horses that guests can interact with. Hannah Seligson, Robb Report, 19 June 2025 The zoo’s statement about his death said Othello helped raise awareness about his species, one of the last giant tortoise species on earth. Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2025 Clear tours to see the diverse wildlife, including rock iguanas, giant tortoises, lemurs, and cockatoos. AFAR Media, 23 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Giant tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giant%20tortoise. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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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