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

Nagatitan’s name references Naga, a serpent-like being in some Asian religious traditions that is prominently depicted in various Thai temples. —Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 2026

The name is derived from Naga, a mythological serpent-like being found in Southeast Asian folklore, while titan is one of the 12 giants of Greek mythology. —Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 14 May 2026

The United Kingdom’s queen consort wore her diamond serpent necklace, a piece that’s been part of Queen Camilla’s personal collection for several years but rarely makes the rounds for public events and engagements. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 May 2026

It is thought that the Greek myth could be a retelling of an older Babylonian tale, in which the hero Gilgamesh slayed a colossal dog-headed, winged serpent known as a Mush-dragon. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 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