turtle

¹ American  

[tur-tl] / ˈtɜr tl /

noun

plural

turtles,

plural

turtle

1. any reptile of the order Testudines, comprising aquatic and terrestrial species having the trunk enclosed in a shell consisting of a dorsal carapace and a ventral plastron.

2. (not used technically) an aquatic turtle as distinguished from a terrestrial one.

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verb (used without object)

turtled, turtling

1. to catch turtles, especially as a business.

idioms

1. turn turtle,

   1. Nautical. to capsize or turn over completely in foundering.

   2. to overturn; upset.

      Several of the cars turned turtle in the course of the race.

turtle ² American  

[tur-tl] / ˈtɜr tl /

noun

Archaic.

1. a turtledove.

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turtle ¹ British  

/ ˈtɜːtəl /

noun

1. any of various aquatic chelonian reptiles, esp those of the marine family Chelonidae , having a flattened shell enclosing the body and flipper-like limbs adapted for swimming

2. any of the chelonian reptiles, including the tortoises and terrapins

3. nautical a zip bag made as part of a spinnaker for holding the sail so that it can be set rapidly

4. to capsize

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verb

1. (intr) to catch or hunt turtles

turtle ² British  

/ ˈtɜːtəl /

noun

1. an archaic name for turtledove

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turtle More Idioms  

1. see turn turtle.

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Usage

What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? The words turtle and tortoise are sometimes used interchangeably, and turtle is the more general term. The word tortoise is sometimes used to distinguish a turtle as being a terrestrial (mostly land-dwelling) one, as opposed to an aquatic turtle (one that spends most of its time in water). However, this doesn’t mean that a turtle is necessarily aquatic simply because it’s called a turtle. For example, the box turtle is primarily terrestrial (it can also be called the box tortoise). Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles that belong to the order Testudines. Whether something is called a turtle or a tortoise often depends on its habitat and physical features. Some aquatic turtles, like snapping turtles, have webbed feet, while others, like sea turtles, have flippers. In contrast, turtles that are called tortoises typically have stubby, round feet, and their shells are often more domed. Here are a few quick questions to help you determine whether it’s more appropriate to call something a turtle or a tortoise. Q: Does it spend a lot of time in the water and have webbed feet or flippers?A: It’s probably called a turtle. Q: Does it live mostly on land and have a domed shell and round feet?A: There’s a good chance it’s called a tortoise, but this isn’t always the case. Q: Is it a teenaged, mutant ninja?A: It’s a turtle. Still stumped? Ask a herpetologist. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between turtles and tortoises.

Other Word Forms

• turtler noun

Etymology

Origin of turtle¹

1625–35; alteration (influenced by turtle ² ) of French tortue < Medieval Latin tortūca tortoise

Origin of turtle²

before 1000; Middle English, Old English < Latin turtur (imitative)

Explanation

A turtle is a reptile with a hard shell that works as a protective shield. Although turtles breathe air, many of them spend much of their lives underwater — so you should make sure your pet turtle has a nice place to swim. The oldest turtles we know of lived 220 million years ago, making them much older than other reptiles like snakes and crocodiles. They live near water, many of them laying their eggs in sand or soil near the shore. Turtles and tortoises are officially the same animal, although we often refer to land-dwelling turtles as tortoises. While turtles may be known for their short legs and slow pace, they're also famous for being long-lived — some live well over 100 years.

Example Sentences

In total, more than 2,000 marine species have been recorded in the warm Gulf waters, including over 500 fish species and five types of sea turtles, among them the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

You might even see Kylian Mbappe on a ski-lift with a turtle.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Last month, the aquarium opened a new turtle rehabilitation facility that includes a roughly 4,000-gallon, public-facing pool.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Under a blazing sun, the green sea turtle thwapped the surface of the San Gabriel River with her sole front flipper as aquarium staffers gripped her shell.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

While these examinations were taking place, I’d have to stand perfectly still with my head thrown back, and with my mouth open like any angry turtle.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

• tortoise