turtle1

[tur-tl] /ˈtɜr tl/
noun, plural turtles (especially collectively) 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.
Compare tortoise (def 1).
verb (used without object), turtled, turtling.
3.
to catch turtles, especially as a business.
Idioms
4.
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.
Origin
1625-35; alteration (influenced by turtle2) of French tortue < Medieval Latin tortūca tortoise
Related forms
turtler, noun

turtle2

[tur-tl] /ˈtɜr tl/
noun, Archaic.
1.
a turtledove.
Origin
before 1000; Middle English, Old English < Latin turtur (imitative)
Examples from the web for turtle
  • Sea turtle hatchlings become disoriented by lights on the beach from businesses and homes.
  • My red interview turtle neck with the little white stars worked out pretty well.
  • Their engineering division spends its time building football pitches, mending roads and righting cars that have turned turtle.
  • The findings shed light on turtle evolution, the researchers add.
  • Yet, locals maybe are not aware that if this turtle die, part of their culture will die.
  • Some have been paid to guard turtle eggs on the beaches, earning more if their turtles successfully hatch and make it to the sea.
  • Leatherback turtles are an endangered species of sea turtle found throughout the world's oceans.
  • The critters-a profusion of different varieties and sizes from tiny turtle to giant carp-must make do with close quarters.
  • Embroidered, greenish leather exterior resembles an ugly turtle.
  • One barbecue boasts a turtle cooked on its back, in its shell.
British Dictionary definitions for turtle

turtle1

/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 related adjectives chelonian testudinal
2.
(US & Canadian) 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
5.
(intransitive) to catch or hunt turtles
Derived Forms
turtler, noun
Word Origin
C17: from French tortuetortoise (influenced by turtle²)

turtle2

/ˈtɜːtəl/
noun
1.
an archaic name for turtledove
Word Origin
Old English turtla, from Latin turtur, of imitative origin; related to German Turteltaube
Word Origin and History for turtle
n.

reptile, c.1600, "marine tortoise," from French tortue "turtle, tortoise," of unknown origin. The English word is perhaps a sailors' mauling of the French one, influenced by the similar sounding turtle (n.2). Later extended to land tortoises; sea-turtle is attested from 1610s. Turtleneck "close-fitting collar" is recorded from 1895.

"turtledove," Old English turtle, dissimilation of Latin turtur "turtledove," a reduplicated form imitative of the bird's call. Graceful, harmonious and affectionate to its mate, hence a term of endearment in Middle English. Turtledove is attested from c.1300.

Slang definitions & phrases for turtle

turtle

Related Terms

turn turtle


Idioms and Phrases with turtle

turtle

see: turn turtle