aardvark

[ ahrd-vahrk ]

noun

1. a large, nocturnal, burrowing mammal, Orycteropus afer, of central and southern Africa, feeding on ants and termites and having a long, extensile tongue, strong claws, and long ears.

aardvark

/ ˈɑːdˌvɑːk /

noun

1. a nocturnal mammal, Orycteropus afer, the sole member of its family ( Orycteropodidae ) and order ( Tubulidentata ). It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has long ears and snout, and feeds on termites Also calledant bear

Word History and Origins

Origin of aardvark¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Afrikaans erdvark, from Dutch aardvarken, equivalent to aarde “earth” + varken “pig”; earth, farrow ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of aardvark¹

C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth + varken pig

Example Sentences

The lack of pretense and polish here belies the pedigree of much of Aardvark’s client base.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to relying on Aardvark to help shape their professional image and branding, people come here for a richly tactile experience.

From Los Angeles Times

A self-taught newspaper Linotype operator who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico City, Luis Ocon’s purchase of Aardvark Typographers from his former boss Ken Matson coincided with the early adoption of computerized typesetting.

From Los Angeles Times

While Cary was earning degrees at UC Berkeley and the University of Minnesota and then embarked on what would be an unsatisfying law career, Brooks and Luis were “struggling” to keep Aardvark afloat.

From Los Angeles Times

Surviving in an obsolete industry as long as Aardvark Letterpress has requires fundamental elements of entrepreneurship.

From Los Angeles Times