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.
Egg-laying mammals, or the monotremes, which include the platypus and echidna, don’t. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Every mammal gives birth to live young, except for a handful of egg-laying monotremes like the platypus. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026 Phase 2 is the standing process with slightly longer prosthetics with no knee but with a longer and wider foot like a platypus. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 The platypus has long been one of nature’s most bewildering creatures. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 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

Rhymes for platypus

See All Rhymes for platypus

Browse Nearby Words

Platyptera
platypus
platypusary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

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