pollywog

noun

pol·​ly·​wog ˈpä-lē-ˌwäg How to pronounce pollywog (audio)
-ˌwȯg
variants or polliwog
: tadpole

Examples of pollywog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That enabled all those aboard who had never done so — about 2,800 of us pollywogs — to later be initiated into the Ancient Order of the Deep by becoming shellbacks, which for me personally was the greatest morale boost of my entire time in uniform. — Roger Archibald, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026 While pup, cub, chick, and calf are used for a number of baby animals, some species have unique names—such as porcupette or pollywog. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English polwygle, probably from pol poll + wiglen to wiggle

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollywog was in 1838

Rhymes for pollywog

See All Rhymes for pollywog

Browse Nearby Words

polly mountain
pollywog
polo
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Cite this Entry

“Pollywog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollywog. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pollywog

noun
pol·​ly·​wog
variants or polliwog
ˈpäl-ē-ˌwäg How to pronounce pollywog (audio)
-ˌwȯg
: tadpole

More from Merriam-Webster on pollywog

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pollywog

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