Illustration of platypus
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈpla-ti-pəs 
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
ˈpla-ti-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
called also duck-billed platypus
Examples of platypus in a Sentence
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The ticket includes experiences like the Africa Tram, a relaxing tour to spot rhinos and giraffes, and Walkabout Australia to see kangaroos and platypuses.
—
Kate Murphy, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
Alongside his four siblings, Wilkie spent a lot of time with animals like kangaroos, koalas, and platypus, all while being surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
—Jack McCullough, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
But Cox’s daughter would have long since moved on to giraffes and platypuses.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2017
Many people first learn about the platypus as a child, including the daughter of Di Wei, a researcher at Beijing Institute and the lead author of a paper published in the journal Science Advances.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024
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Kate Murphy, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
Alongside his four siblings, Wilkie spent a lot of time with animals like kangaroos, koalas, and platypus, all while being surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
—Jack McCullough, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
But Cox’s daughter would have long since moved on to giraffes and platypuses.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2017
Many people first learn about the platypus as a child, including the daughter of Di Wei, a researcher at Beijing Institute and the lead author of a paper published in the journal Science Advances.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for platypus
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Cite this Entry
“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈplat-i-pəs
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
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