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

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Cite this Entry

“Pollywog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollywog. Accessed 14 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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