Tadpole - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT tadpole /ˌtædˈpoʊl/ /ˈtædpəʊl/ IPA guide

Other forms: tadpoles

A tadpole is basically a baby frog — it's the larval form of this aquatic animal. Tadpoles are tiny round creatures with long tails and gills for breathing underwater.

One of many amazing things about frogs and toads is the transformation they go through during their life cycle. Tadpoles, also called pollywogs, look like tiny fish. During metamorphosis, their gills become lungs, they grow legs, and their tails are absorbed into their bodies. Adult frogs have little resemblance to the tadpoles they once were. Tadpole comes from roots meaning "toad" and "head."

Definitions of tadpole

noun a larval frog or toad synonyms: polliwog, pollywog see moresee less type of: larva the immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose

Pronunciation US /ˌtædˈpoʊl/ UK /ˈtædpəʊl/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘tadpole'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing tadpole

Animals (Zoology) - Introductory

Study these zoology terms and learn all about the world's fauna. Review animal classification and anatomy, and test your knowledge of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and more. This list is just beastly!

Animals (Zoology) - Middle School

Study these zoology terms and learn all about the world's fauna. Review taxonomy and anatomy, and test your knowledge of primates, arthropods, marsupials, and more. This list is just beastly!

Animals (Zoology) - High School

Study these zoology terms and learn all about the world's fauna. Review taxonomy and anatomy, and test your knowledge of primates, arthropods, marsupials, and more. This list is just beastly!

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account