box turtle

American  

noun

1. any of several chiefly terrestrial turtles of the genus Terrapene, of North America, having a hinged plastron that can be tightly shut to enclose and protect the body.

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Etymology

Origin of box turtle

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

The eastern box turtle is also deemed vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

The state estimates property damage from such wrecks at nearly $20 million annually, while unbroken roads also fracture habitats for monitored species of concern including the ornate box turtle, white-nosed coati and gila monster.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

It was Missouri’s reptile ambassador, a three-toed box turtle.

From Washington Times • Apr. 27, 2021

Biles also offers a sculpture of a little girl atop a box turtle in which the shell’s pattern has migrated to the child’s face and hands.

From Washington Post • Dec. 5, 2019

It’s a turtle, box turtle, munching on old Whopper lettuce.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli