# aardwolves

CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

small, shy animals from Africa that look like striped hyenas but mostly eat insects. They are famous for eating thousands of termites in a single night using their long, sticky tongues.

For teachers: insectivorous mammals of the family Hyaenidae, native to East and Southern Africa. Unlike other hyenas, they possess reduced cheek teeth and a specialized tongue for consuming termites.

## Examples

- The aardwolves hide in their burrows during the hot day.
- While exploring the savanna at night, the researchers spotted two aardwolves foraging for termites near a large mound.
- Ecologists noted that aardwolves play a vital role in the ecosystem by regulating termite populations, preventing the insects from over-consuming the sparse vegetation during the dry season.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'aardwolf'.

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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.