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Definition of reptile
1 : an animal that crawls or moves on its belly (such as a snake) or on small short legs (such as a lizard)
2 : any of a class (Reptilia) of cold-blooded, air-breathing, usually egg-laying vertebrates that include the alligators and crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, and extinct related forms (such as dinosaurs and pterosaurs) and that have a body typically covered with scales or bony plates and a bony skeleton with a single occipital condyle, a distinct quadrate bone usually immovably articulated with the skull, and ribs attached to the sternum
3 : a groveling or despised person
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Examples of reptile in a Sentence
He called the governor's top aide a reptile.
the actor plays a total reptile who's somehow still a hit with the ladies
Recent Examples of reptile from the Web
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The reptile was transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
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Judging by Jeff Zevely from CBS8 will start at 9:30 a.m. The patriotic costume contest is free and open to all types of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits and hamsters.
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Getting to swim with a wild reptile of the sea was beyond magical.
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Once ashore, these four-limbed vertebrates, called tetrapods, branched into an impressive range of animals: amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds and mammals.
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Separate masks are designed for dogs, cats, birds and reptiles, Robinson said, adding that the masks are designed to fit over muzzles.
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Children events will continue Sunday with the inclusion of a petting zoo, clown and reptile show, while musical acts Chicago Tribute Anthology and American English bands close the three-day event.
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A variety of entertainment runs throughout the weekend, with magicians, jugglers, reptiles, inflatables and more await.
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The reptile was unlike any other advanced pliosaur of its time.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reptile'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of reptile
Middle English reptil, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French reptile (feminine), from Late Latin reptile (neuter), from neuter of reptilis creeping, from Latin reptus, past participle of repere to crawl; akin to Lithuanian rėplioti to crawl
First Known Use of reptile
1607
REPTILE Defined for English Language Learners
reptile
playDefinition of reptile for English Language Learners
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: an animal (such as a snake, lizard, turtle, or alligator) that has cold blood, that lays eggs, and that has a body covered with scales or hard parts
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: a person who cannot be trusted or who is not likable
REPTILE Defined for Kids
reptile
playDefinition of reptile for Students
: a cold-blooded animal (as a snake, lizard, turtle, or alligator) that breathes air and usually has the skin covered with scales or bony plates
History for reptile
Most of the animals we call reptiles creep or crawl about. Some, like snakes, crawl about on their bellies. Some, like lizards, creep about on little, short legs. The English word reptile came from a Latin word reptilis that meant “creeping,” which is derived from the verb repere meaning “to crawl.”
Learn More about reptile
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reptile Spanish Central: Translation of reptile Nglish: Translation of reptile for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reptile for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reptile
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