serpent

noun

ser·​pent ˈsər-pənt 

1

a

archaic : a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings

b

: snake

2

: devil sense 1

3

: a treacherous person

Synonyms of serpent

• snake
• viper

Examples of serpent in a Sentence

an Aztec carving of a feathered serpent representing the god Quetzalcoatl

beware the temptations of the serpent

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as looking upon the serpent brought healing to the Israelites, faith in the Son of Man brings salvation to anyone. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

In Roman art, invidia is sometimes depicted as a gaunt Medusa-like figure with serpents for hair. — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026

According to the ancient Greeks, a mighty serpent called Ophion incubated an enormous egg that hatched into the universe and all its inhabitants. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

There is a legend that Prince Albert presented her with a multi-stone serpent ring when they were engaged, and Victoria was buried with the ring. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin serpent-, serpens, from present participle of serpere to creep; akin to Greek herpein to creep, Sanskrit sarpati he creeps

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing serpent

• sea serpent

Kids Definition

serpent

noun

ser·​pent ˈsər-pənt 

: a usually large snake