Sloth Meaning and Definition
Sloth
Pronunciation
/ˈsloʊθ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A slow-moving, herbivorous mammal native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, known for its shaggy coat and ability to spend most of its life in a sedentary state.
Examples
- The sloth spent most of its day lounging in the treetops.
- Sloths are experts at conserving energy, often sleeping or resting for up to 18 hours a day.
Synonyms
- Lumbering animal
- Wall-crawler
Antonyms
- Agile
- Swift
Etymology
The word “Sloth” comes from the Spanish word “perezoso,” meaning “slothful” or “lazy,” which is itself derived from the Latin “sloth,” meaning “lethargy” or “indolence.”
Usage Notes
When referring to the animal, the noun “sloth” is typically used. However, in figurative contexts, “sloth” can be used as a verb, meaning to lazy or idle aggressively.
Cultural References
Sloths have been featured in various forms of media, including films, TV shows, and children’s books.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
While not a common phrase, “to slow as a sloth” is occasionally used to describe someone or something that is extremely slow-moving or sluggish.
Related Words or Phrases
- Teddy bear
- Herbivore
Collocations
- Sloth in the treetops
- Sloth habitat
Frequency of Use
The word “sloth” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it is still widely recognized and used in certain contexts, such as conservation efforts or wildlife documentaries.
Common Misspellings
- Slothe
- Slote