tadpole

noun

tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl How to pronounce tadpole (audio)
: a larval amphibian
specifically : a frog or toad larva that has a rounded body with a long tail bordered by fins and external gills soon replaced by internal gills and that undergoes a metamorphosis to the adult

Illustration of tadpole

Illustration of tadpole
  • tadpole in stages

Examples of tadpole 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.
Tiny frogs, big challenges Coquí frogs lay eggs on land, skipping the tadpole stage in a process called direct development. — Ana V. Longo, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 In addition to base building, players will also build vehicles, including a new one called the tadpole. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 15 May 2026 But that only presented more questions because the fossil didn’t show any classic amphibian tadpole traits. — Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 18 June 2026 Rainfall increases water levels in ponds and wetlands, or creates temporary pools that provide ideal—and safer—breeding grounds for eggs and tadpoles to survive. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tadpole

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taddepol, from tode toad + polle head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tadpole was in the 15th century

Rhymes for tadpole

See All Rhymes for tadpole

Browse Nearby Words

Tadjoura, Gulf of
tadpole
tadpole madtom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

tadpole

noun
tad·​pole ˈtad-ˌpōl How to pronounce tadpole (audio)
: the larva of a frog or toad that has a rounded body and a long tail, breathes with gills, and lives in water

called also pollywog

Etymology

Middle English taddepol "tadpole," from tode "toad" and polle "head"

Word Origin
A young tadpole looks like a large head with a tail. In time it will develop back legs and then front legs. Finally it will lose its tail and become a toad or a frog. Our word for this immature form of a toad or frog comes from Middle English taddepol. This word was a combination of two others, tode, meaning "toad," and polle, meaning "head."

More from Merriam-Webster on tadpole

Nglish: Translation of tadpole for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tadpole

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