two-toed sloth

noun

1. either of two sloths of the genus Choloepus, having two claws on the forelimbs and three on the hind limbs, including C. didactylus and C. hoffmanni.

Word History and Origins

Origin of two-toed sloth¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The two-toed sloth went under the knife after keepers noticed swellings on the sides of its face, with investigations showing two root abscesses.

From BBC

Zoonomia demonstrated how some mammals have a very keen sense of smell - Hoffman's two-toed sloth, the nine-banded armadillo and the African savanna elephant - while others have almost none - whales and dolphins.

From Reuters

The nine-banded armadillo and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth followed, while the Central American agouti came in fourth.

From New York Times

Some 60% of the world's largest rainforest – the Amazon – falls within Brazil's borders, containing unique and charismatic critters such as the giant anteater, two-toed sloth, and poison dart frog.

From Reuters

The tiny Linne's two-toed sloth "came into the world upside down" just over two weeks ago on 29 March.

From BBC