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, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Upon arrival, visitors can pay a visit to the butterfly house in search of colorful insects or hang out with the resident tortoises—but no trip to La Marquesa is complete without exploring the on-property aviary.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
In April, the comedian shared that he had been tricked by someone pretending to be the group’s manager while trying to arrange a bit involving actor Richard Kind and a pet tortoise.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 May 2025
The oversized tortoise shell buttons add a gorgeous statement detail without going overboard, and the cotton construction keeps it breathable, especially compared to wool or other heavy fabrics.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
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Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Upon arrival, visitors can pay a visit to the butterfly house in search of colorful insects or hang out with the resident tortoises—but no trip to La Marquesa is complete without exploring the on-property aviary.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
In April, the comedian shared that he had been tricked by someone pretending to be the group’s manager while trying to arrange a bit involving actor Richard Kind and a pet tortoise.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 May 2025
The oversized tortoise shell buttons add a gorgeous statement detail without going overboard, and the cotton construction keeps it breathable, especially compared to wool or other heavy fabrics.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortoise
Cite this Entry
“Tortoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortoise. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tortoise
noun
tor·toise
ˈtȯrt-əs 
: turtle entry 2
especially
: a land-dwelling turtle
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