# aardvark

/ˈɑɹdˌvɑɹk/ (US) · /ˈɑːdvɑːk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aardvark
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a large African animal with a long nose, big ears, and a strong tail. It uses its long tongue to eat ants and termites at night.

For teachers: a nocturnal burrowing mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterised by a long snout, tubular ears, and a diet consisting primarily of ants and termites.

## Examples

- The aardvark uses its strong claws to dig into termite mounds.
- During the night safari, we were lucky enough to spot an aardvark searching for insects in the tall grass.
- Evolutionarily distinct from other mammals, the aardvark is the only living species in its order, possessing unique teeth that lack enamel and grow continuously throughout its life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.