box turtle

noun

1. any of several chiefly terrestrial turtles of the genus Terrapene, of North America, having a hinged plastron that can be tightly shut to enclose and protect the body.

Word History and Origins

Origin of box turtle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

The eastern box turtle is also deemed vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

From BBC

The eastern box turtles, known for the vivid yellow-orange markings on their shells, were bound from the East Coast for Hong Kong and were intercepted in Torrance, prompting the case to be prosecuted in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of them, court documents state, were eastern box turtles — a species named for the turtles’ unique ability to completely close up in their shells, like a box, when frightened.

From Washington Post

The Eastern box turtles are also an invasive species in Asia and may spread disease there.

From New York Times

Fazi sold primarily eastern box turtles, which can live for up to 100 years.

From Seattle Times