adj
reptilian
rehp-TIH-lee-uhn
adj
1
Relating to reptiles, or having qualities typical of them.
"The lizard's reptilian skin glistened in the sun."
"She gave him a cold, reptilian stare that made everyone uneasy."
noun
1
A reptile, or (in fiction and conspiracy folklore) a shapeshifting alien said to secretly rule the world.
"The exhibit featured reptilians of every shape, from geckos to crocodiles."
"The film's villain was revealed to be a reptilian in disguise."
How to Use Reptilian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSnake- or lizard-like, or, informally, cold and calculating in manner.
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a slur about people's ethnicity or ancestry — that usage is offensive and outdated; stick to describing reptiles or a person's cold demeanor.
Common pairings
reptilian skin
reptilian gaze
reptilian alien
Word Forms
more reptilian comparative, reptilians plural, most reptilian superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “reptilian”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lizard's _____ skin glistened in the sun.
Etymology
From reptile plus the adjective ending -ian.