How to Pronounce Tortoise

To pronounce "tortoise", say TORT-ois-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈtɔː.təs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tortoise

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈtɔː.təs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tortoise”

"tortoise" has 3 syllables: tort-ois-e. It rhymes with fortas and fortis, if that helps it stick.

What does tortoise mean?

noun

  1. Any of various land-dwelling reptiles, of the family Testudinidae or the order Testudines , whose body is enclosed in a shell (carapace plus plastron). The animal can withdraw its head and four legs partially into the shell, providing some protection from predators.

Synonyms

shellpad

Hear “tortoise” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tortoise

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

fortasfortisportessemortisanacortescorticescourtisortis

Related words

turtleturtlesspottedthighedstinkpotblandingtortueterrapin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tortoise"?▾

"Tortoise" has 3 syllables: tort · ois · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "tortoise"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tortoise" is /ˈtɔː.təs/.

What does "tortoise" mean?▾

Tortoise: Any of various land-dwelling reptiles, of the family Testudinidae or the order Testudines , whose body is enclosed in a shell (carapace plus plastron). The animal can withdraw its head and four legs partially into the shell, providing some protection from predators.

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