turtle

¹

[ tur-tl ]

noun

, plural tur·tles, (especially collectively) tur·tle.

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. Compare tortoise ( def 1 ).

verb (used without object)

, tur·tled, tur·tling.

1. to catch turtles, especially as a business.

turtle

²

[ tur-tl ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. a turtledove.

turtle

¹

/ 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 cheloniantestudinal
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. turn turtle
   to capsize

verb

1. intr to catch or hunt turtles

turtle

²

/ ˈtɜːtəl /

noun

1. an archaic name for turtledove

Derived Forms

• ˈturtler, noun

Other Words From

• turtler noun

Word History and Origins

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of turtle¹

C17: from French tortue tortoise (influenced by turtle ²)

Origin of turtle²

Old English turtla , from Latin turtur , of imitative origin; related to German Turteltaube

Idioms and Phrases

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.

More idioms and phrases containing turtle

see turn turtle .

Example Sentences

Cultivated meat may be "safe-ly" marketed as nuggets and burgers, but, in principle, the options are endless: Curious consumers could sample lab-grown whale or turtle meat guilt-free, or even find out what woolly mammoth tasted like.

From Salon

In 2023, the crimefighting turtle brand “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” asked Gonzo to create a cover for a Halloween-themed story.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the series description, “through interviews with seedkeepers, chefs, farmers and community members, this podcast will share what food justice and sovereignty looks like for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.”

From Salon

On Saturday afternoon, they were together again headlining Harvest Moon — a Gathering, a benefit concert for the Painted Turtle camp in Lake Hughes for children with chronic illnesses, making music in the blazing sunshine an hour north of Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite Young and Stills’ long association, the annual benefit for the Turtle Camp was a rare opportunity to see the two perform a full set together since the acrimonious hiatus of their storied supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• tortoise