armadillo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist, informal when used metaphorically
Quick answer
What does “armadillo” mean?
A small to medium-sized mammal native to the Americas, characterised by a bony leathery shell made of plates that acts as armour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small to medium-sized mammal native to the Americas, characterised by a bony leathery shell made of plates that acts as armour.
The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is defensive or has a hard exterior, or to describe objects/vehicles with protective plating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is identical in spelling and meaning, but the animal is native to the Americas, making it more culturally salient and common in American English contexts.
Connotations
In British English, it carries strong connotations of being exotic and foreign. In American English, especially in southern states, it can have connotations of being a garden pest or roadkill.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to the animal's habitat. In British English, it's primarily encountered in zoos, documentaries, or children's media.
Grammar
How to Use “armadillo” in a Sentence
The [adjective] armadillo [verb, e.g., rolled, scurried, dug].We saw an armadillo [prepositional phrase, e.g., in the garden, by the road].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “armadillo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The frightened creature tried to armadillo itself against the threat.
- (Note: This is a highly non-standard, creative usage.)
American English
- He tends to armadillo up whenever we discuss politics.
- (Note: This is a highly non-standard, creative usage.)
adjective
British English
- The vehicle had an armadillo-like plating for the expedition.
- (Attributive noun used adjectivally.)
American English
- They built an armadillo-style enclosure for the delicate equipment.
- (Attributive noun used adjectivally.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and environmental science contexts.
Everyday
Used when discussing animals, wildlife, or unusual sights. Metaphorical use is very informal.
Technical
Used as a taxonomic term (order Cingulata, family Dasypodidae).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “armadillo”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “armadillo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “armadillo”
- Misspelling: 'armadillio' (double 'l'), 'armidillo'.
- Incorrect plural: 'armadilloes' (the standard is 'armadillos').
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable /'ɑːmə/ instead of the third /'dɪl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only two species, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo and the southern three-banded armadillo, can roll into a complete, sealed ball. The more common nine-banded armadillo cannot.
Yes, it was borrowed into English from Spanish in the late 16th century. The Spanish word 'armadillo' is the diminutive of 'armado' (armed man), meaning 'little armed one'.
No, they are not closely related. Turtles are reptiles, while armadillos are mammals. Their armour evolved independently, an example of convergent evolution for protection.
They are prolific diggers, damaging lawns and gardens in search of insects. They are also frequent victims of road accidents and can carry diseases like leprosy, though transmission to humans is extremely rare.
A small to medium-sized mammal native to the Americas, characterised by a bony leathery shell made of plates that acts as armour.
Armadillo is usually specialist, informal when used metaphorically in register.
Armadillo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːməˈdɪləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːrməˈdɪloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To roll up like an armadillo (to become defensive or withdraw)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARMour' + 'dillo' (like the end of 'armadillo'). An armadillo wears armour made of 'dillo' plates.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFENCE IS A PHYSICAL SHELL; WITHDRAWAL IS ROLLING INTO A BALL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of an armadillo?