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Definition of tuatara
tuatara
/ˌtuːəˈtɑːrə/
tu · a · ta · ra
Plural:tuataras
tuatara Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
tuatara Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
New Zealand A rare, lizard-like reptile native to New Zealand, notable for being the sole surviving member of the ancient order Rhynchocephalia and possessing a primitive 'third eye' on the top of its head.
Example
"Conservationists have successfully reintroduced the tuatara to several predator-free offshore islands in New Zealand to ensure the survival of the ancient species."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for tuatara• Rhymes for tuatara
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into English in the mid-19th century from Māori 'tuatara', combining 'tua' (back) and 'tara' (spine or peak), referring to the distinctive spiny crest along the reptile's back.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tuatara. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tuatara