1. plural of tortoise; land-dwelling reptiles with hard shells that move slowly

Examples

• The Galápagos tortoises are among the largest living species of tortoise.
• Desert tortoises can live for over 50 years in the wild.
• The zoo’s tortoise exhibit features several giant tortoises from different islands.
• These tortoises hibernate during the winter months.
• The ancient tortoises slowly made their way across the sandy terrain.
• Conservation efforts have helped protect endangered tortoise populations.