two-toed sloth

noun

: either of two sloths (Choloepus didactylus of South America and C. hoffmanni of Central and South America of the family Megalonychidae) that have two clawed digits on each forefoot, three clawed digits on each hind foot, and usually six or seven vertebrae in the neck compare three-toed sloth

Examples of two-toed sloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cocoa, a 30-year-old Hoffmann's two-toed sloth living at Zoo Atlanta, became a dad for a second time on Father's Day, June 18. Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 21 June 2023 The mom and baby sloth, called Linnaeus's two-toed sloths, have two toes with claws on the front feet and three toes on the back feet, used to hang upside down from branches. Cincinnati Enquirer, The Enquirer, 9 June 2023 Hoffman’s two-toed sloths are not currently on the endangered species list but their populations are among those facing threats due to human activities. Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 23 June 2023 The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden announced Thursday that Lightning, a two-toed sloth, is officially on birth watch. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 1 June 2023 Cocoa, the 30-year-old Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth and Nutella, a female, welcomed their new addition on June 18th. Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 23 June 2023 Hoffman’s two-toed sloths are native to Central and South America. Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 21 June 2023 Stone Zoo dads include Nero, a Linne’s two-toed sloth. Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2023 Linne’s two-toed sloths are not considered endangered but are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to human encroachment and activity. Cincinnati Enquirer, The Enquirer, 9 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'two-toed sloth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-toed sloth was in 1781

Dictionary Entries Near two-toed sloth

Cite this Entry

“Two-toed sloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-toed%20sloth. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

two-toed sloth

noun
ˌtü-ˌtōd-
: any of a genus of sloths that have two claws on each front foot and three on each back foot compare three-toed sloth

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