herpetology

noun

her·​pe·​tol·​o·​gy ˌhər-pə-ˈtä-lə-jē 

: a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians

herpetological

ˌhər-pə-tə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

herpetologist

ˌhər-pə-ˈtä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of herpetology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a biologist who specializes in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians), here’s my list of must-visit state parks – selected for the natural beauty of the site as well as the wildlife and, particularly, the herpetofauna that might be found there. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

Jeff Beane, herpetology collection manager at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, told the Observer in 2022 that copperheads adjust their activity based on the weather. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Greg Pauly is a curator of herpetology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025

In a 2022 article from the Belleville News-Democrat, zoological manager of herpetology Justin Elden said Othello and Ray were friendly toward keepers and zoo guests alike, including kids. —Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek herpeton quadruped, reptile, from neuter of herpetos crawling, from herpein

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for herpetology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

herpetology

noun

her·​pe·​tol·​o·​gy ˌhər-pə-ˈtäl-ə-jē 

: a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians