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Definition of tadpole

tadpole

/ˈtæd.poʊl/
tad · pole
Plural:tadpoles
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tadpole Lexical Profile

tadpole Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The aquatic larval stage of an amphibian, particularly a frog or toad, typically having gills, a tail, and initially lacking limbs.

Example

"The children visited the pond every spring to watch the tadpoles slowly grow legs and transform into frogs."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tadpole

• Nearby Words

taco
tacoma
tacutu
tadpole
tadpole fish
taedong
taffy

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'taddepol', a compound of 'tadde' (toad) and 'pol' (head, poll), literally meaning 'toad head' due to the organism's distinctly bulbous shape before developing legs.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tadpole. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tadpole
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