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

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

The Upper Cretaceous units of the Bauru Group in Brazil boast one of the most impressive fossil records of reptilian clades, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026

Noun

This season, Roseberry continued his mission with a haute couture collection that featured replica reptilian textures, protruding tusk breasts, scorpion bustiers and a translucent two-piece skirt suit rendered in hyperreal blowfish scales. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

This difference is likely a reflection of evolutionary history, habitat and the constraints of reptilian physiology, as ecology often intersects with a species’ physiology. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 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