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

Each bedroom draws inspiration for its decor from a theme—tarot, constellations, nature, serpents, and Salem itself—without crossing into kitschy territory. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2026

Ingratitude is indeed sharper than a serpent’s tooth, and McBride isn’t wrong, but since when has Hollywood not been a pit of snakes? — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026

At least a computer might know that’s not a saxophone, hiding like a serpent beneath the piano bench. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 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