tadpole

word

Definition

A tadpole is the young form of a frog or toad that lives in water, has a long tail, and no legs. As it grows, it develops legs and becomes an adult frog or toad.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in life science or when talking about frog development. Rarely used outside scientific or educational contexts. Do not confuse with 'polliwog,' which is a less common synonym.

Example Sentences

A tadpole lives in the water and swims with its long tail.

basic

The frog starts life as a tadpole before it grows legs.

basic

We saw many tadpoles in the pond during spring.

basic

If you wait a few weeks, the tadpoles will start to grow legs and look more like tiny frogs.

natural

As a kid, I used to catch tadpoles and watch them turn into frogs.

natural

Every spring, the pond fills up with tadpoles, and the ducks love to eat them.

natural