What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tortoise
Example
The tortoise slowly made its way across the garden. [tortoise: noun]
Example
I have a pet tortoise named Sheldon. [tortoise: noun]
Example
Galapagos tortoises can live up to 150 years. [tortoises: plural noun]
turtle
Example
The turtle swam gracefully in the pond. [turtle: noun]
Example
I tried turtle soup for the first time in New Orleans. [turtle: noun]
Example
Sea turtles are important marine animals. [turtles: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Turtle is more commonly used than tortoise in everyday language. Turtle is a more general term that covers a wider range of species, including those that live both on land and in water. Tortoise is a more specific term that refers to land-dwelling species with a heavier shell.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tortoise and turtle?
Both tortoise and turtle are relatively informal terms and can be used interchangeably in most contexts without any significant difference in formality.
