Search Dictionary
Definition of two-toed sloth
two-toed sloth
Plural:two-toed sloths
two-toed sloth Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
5
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A nocturnal, slow-moving arboreal mammal of the family Choloepodidae, native to Central and South America, distinguished by having two long clawed digits on its front limbs.
Example
"The two-toed sloth spends most of its life hanging upside down from the canopy of the Amazon rainforest."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for two-toed sloth• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive compound name referencing the animal's distinct two-clawed front limbs, combined with 'sloth', from Middle English 'slouthe' (slowness). The term 'sloth' was applied to the animal in the early 17th century due to its sluggish movements.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Two-toed sloth. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/two-toed sloth