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DictionaryturtleShelled reptile
noun / verb

turtle

TUR-tul/ˈtɜːrtl/

A reptile protected by a hard shell.

The turtle rests on a log with its head and webbed feet extended.

A realistic freshwater turtle with hard protective shell, four webbed feet and head extended, resting on a log at the edge of a pond; not a frog.
Etymology
turtleFrenchturtle, tortoise

French tortue supplied a name used in English first for marine tortoises, then extended to land tortoises. The French word's deeper origin is unknown.

In context

Unmarcheinvesting com1:01
A turtle's shell is much more than just armor. It is actually part of its skeleton. When danger approaches, many turtles can retreat into their shells for protection.
🐢 The Secret Behind a Turtle’s 100+ Year Lifespan | Amazing Turtle Facts #Nature #Documentary#Turtle

More examples

  • A box turtle crosses the trail ahead of us.
  • The small sailboat turtles when a strong gust hits.
  • The law prohibits turtling along this protected stretch of coast.

Forms

turtle · turtles · turtled · turtling

Similar words

tortoise
Usually refers to a turtle that lives on land.
terrapin
Refers to certain turtles living in fresh or brackish water.