reptilian

1 of 2

adjective

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

reptilian

2 of 2

noun

: reptile sense 2

Examples of reptilian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Both the toe tip and the eyestay wings adopt the reptilian look that’s proven quite popular on sneakers in recent years. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2026

The film was particularly acclaimed for its water sequences, in which the craggy-skinned beast relentlessly pursued boats and naval vessels, like a reptilian Jaws. — Matt Alt, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

Noun

Moreover, a press release adds that the area is currently occupied by reptilians, meaning an even higher level of risk. — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026

Their bond, forged by the exotic nature of their remote landscape, begins to change as Lily enters her teenage years and Bodhi contemplates friendship and family beyond his reptilian counterparts. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reptilian

• castilian
• civilian
• cotillion
• pavilion
• postilion
• quadrillion
• vermilion
• vermillion
• billion
• million
• pillion
• trillion

Kids Definition

reptilian

adjective

rep·​til·​ian

rep-ˈtil-ē-ən

: of, relating to, or resembling reptiles