platypus

noun

platy·​pus ˈpla-ti-pəs How to pronounce platypus (audio) -ˌpu̇s How to pronounce platypus (audio)
plural platypuses also platypi ˈpla-ti-ˌpī How to pronounce platypus (audio)
-ˌpē
: a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail

called also duck-billed platypus

Illustration of platypus

Illustration of platypus

Examples of platypus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many people first learn about the platypus as a child, including the daughter of Di Wei, a researcher at Beijing Institute and the lead author of a paper published in the journal Science Advances. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024 The platypus is famously recognized for its wide range of zoological oddities. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024 Other nocturnal mammals such as platypuses and flying squirrels also glow under UV light. —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 14 Aug. 2024 For instance, monotremes such as the platypus and echidna belong to a unique and ancient class of mammals. —Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for platypus 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek platypous flat-footed, from platys broad, flat + pous foot — more at place, foot

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of platypus was in 1799

Phrases Containing platypus

Dictionary Entries Near platypus

Platyptera

platypus

platypusary

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

platypus

noun
platy·​pus ˈplat-i-pəs How to pronounce platypus (audio) -ˌpu̇s How to pronounce platypus (audio)
plural platypuses also platypi -ˌpī How to pronounce platypus (audio)
-ˌpē
: a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail

More from Merriam-Webster on platypus

Nglish: Translation of platypus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about platypus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
little chihuahua dressing like a turkey for thanksgiving
Is That Gratitude or Attitude? A Thanksgiving Quiz Decide which words express gratitude and which gi...