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rep·til·ian
rep-ˈti-lē-ən 
-ˈtil-yən
1
: resembling or having the characteristics of the reptiles
2
: of or relating to the reptiles
3
: cold-bloodedly treacherous
a reptilian villain—
Theodore Dreiser
Theodore Dreiser
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebJennifer Jenkins, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Mar. 2023
The differences in gene expression suggested that the reptilian DVR and the mammalian neocortex evolved independently from different regions of the brain.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023
Her regular intake of grease, mixed in with accidental gulps of sand and the more typically reptilian fare of insects and other lizards, had seeded a stubborn knot of feces that refused to budge from her body, reports Nina Pullano for Inverse.
—Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2020
Perhaps even more unsettling is the lizard fish, so named for the distinctly reptilian cast of its features.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2017
The straplike, bright green leaves (called fronds on ferns) have a decidedly reptilian, scaly look that doesn't align with what most people picture as a fern.
—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2023
The mother, in Veanne Cox’s terrifyingly reptilian performance, can barely contain her disgust long enough to evacuate her son by cover of night.
—New York Times, 8 May 2022
Yesterday, the tortoise-in-residence at Red Rock Canyon emerged from brumation, the reptilian form of hibernation.
—Claire Vaye Watkins, Outside Online, 15 May 2017
My rational mind knows the sculpture is tacky and borderline offensive, yet my reptilian brain loves its louche effervescence.
—New York Times, 1 Mar. 2022
Jennifer Jenkins, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Mar. 2023
So while at least part of the reptilian DVR was adapted from the brain region of an ancestral creature, the mammalian neocortex evolved as a new brain region burgeoning with novel cell types.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023
What’s clear is that the victims of climate change, reptilian and otherwise, will increase dramatically in coming years if world leaders keep failing to adequately rein in greenhouse gas emissions, which mostly come from burning fossil fuels.
—New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022
The mics can’t handle it… When a woman does it, guys’ reptilian brains go, ‘Mama’s mad at me’ or something.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2021
Sweet Gizmo, as Billy (Zach Galligan) names his new pet, accidentally produces a handful of fellow mogwai who quickly become weaponized as slimy, semi-reptilian creatures with rheumy eyes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2019
Sweet Gizmo, as Billy (Zach Galligan) names his new pet, accidentally produces a handful of fellow mogwai who quickly become weaponized as slimy, semi-reptilian creatures with rheumy eyes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2019
Laurent’s team also found a claustrum in a distant reptilian relative, the Trachemys scripta turtle, leading the researchers to conclude that the brain region predates the evolution of reptiles.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 12 Feb. 2020
Sweet Gizmo, as Billy (Zach Galligan) names his new pet, accidentally produces a handful of fellow mogwai who quickly become weaponized as slimy, semi-reptilian creatures with rheumy eyes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2019
See More
Adjective
For decades since, lithe reptilian symbols have continued to evolve throughout the fine and high jewelry markets, burgeoning with the rise of celebrity culture.
—Jennifer Jenkins, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Mar. 2023
The differences in gene expression suggested that the reptilian DVR and the mammalian neocortex evolved independently from different regions of the brain.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023
Her regular intake of grease, mixed in with accidental gulps of sand and the more typically reptilian fare of insects and other lizards, had seeded a stubborn knot of feces that refused to budge from her body, reports Nina Pullano for Inverse.
—Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2020
Perhaps even more unsettling is the lizard fish, so named for the distinctly reptilian cast of its features.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2017
The straplike, bright green leaves (called fronds on ferns) have a decidedly reptilian, scaly look that doesn't align with what most people picture as a fern.
—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2023
The mother, in Veanne Cox’s terrifyingly reptilian performance, can barely contain her disgust long enough to evacuate her son by cover of night.
—New York Times, 8 May 2022
Yesterday, the tortoise-in-residence at Red Rock Canyon emerged from brumation, the reptilian form of hibernation.
—Claire Vaye Watkins, Outside Online, 15 May 2017
My rational mind knows the sculpture is tacky and borderline offensive, yet my reptilian brain loves its louche effervescence.
—New York Times, 1 Mar. 2022
Noun
Anthony Lent’s ring is a lifelike reptilian treasure, etched with scales and accented with crystal clear diamond eyes.
—Jennifer Jenkins, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Mar. 2023
So while at least part of the reptilian DVR was adapted from the brain region of an ancestral creature, the mammalian neocortex evolved as a new brain region burgeoning with novel cell types.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023
What’s clear is that the victims of climate change, reptilian and otherwise, will increase dramatically in coming years if world leaders keep failing to adequately rein in greenhouse gas emissions, which mostly come from burning fossil fuels.
—New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022
The mics can’t handle it… When a woman does it, guys’ reptilian brains go, ‘Mama’s mad at me’ or something.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2021
Sweet Gizmo, as Billy (Zach Galligan) names his new pet, accidentally produces a handful of fellow mogwai who quickly become weaponized as slimy, semi-reptilian creatures with rheumy eyes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2019
Sweet Gizmo, as Billy (Zach Galligan) names his new pet, accidentally produces a handful of fellow mogwai who quickly become weaponized as slimy, semi-reptilian creatures with rheumy eyes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2019
Laurent’s team also found a claustrum in a distant reptilian relative, the Trachemys scripta turtle, leading the researchers to conclude that the brain region predates the evolution of reptiles.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 12 Feb. 2020
Sweet Gizmo, as Billy (Zach Galligan) names his new pet, accidentally produces a handful of fellow mogwai who quickly become weaponized as slimy, semi-reptilian creatures with rheumy eyes.
—Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2019
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reptilian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
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Cite this Entry
“Reptilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reptilian. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
reptilian
adjective
rep·til·ian
rep-ˈtil-ē-ən
: of, relating to, or resembling reptiles
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