pollywog

noun

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

polly mountain
pollywog
polo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollywog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollywog. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of pollywog for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pollywog

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