adj C2 Proficient

reptilian

rehp-TIH-lee-uhn

Reptilian (adj) means relating to reptiles, or having qualities typical of them. Example: “The lizard's reptilian skin glistened in the sun.”

adj

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

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 notes

In 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Avoid using it as a slur about people's ethnicity or ancestry — that usage is offensive and outdated; stick to describing reptiles or a person's cold demeanor.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

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Can you complete this real example?

The lizard's _____ skin glistened in the sun.

Etymology

From reptile plus the adjective ending -ian.

Synonyms

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reptile

Related words

snake lizard reptile

Rhymes for reptilian

Asian avian Fabian Indian Syrian simian median Italian Russian Persian Serbian Latvian

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Frequently asked questions

What does “reptilian” mean?

The word “reptilian” means relating to reptiles, or having qualities typical of them. In plain terms, snake- or lizard-like, or, informally, cold and calculating in manner.

How do you pronounce “reptilian”?

“Reptilian” is pronounced rehp-TIH-lee-uhn (/ɹɛpˈtɪljən/ in IPA).

How do you use “reptilian” in a sentence?

Here is “reptilian” used in a sentence: “The lizard's reptilian skin glistened in the sun.”

What part of speech is “reptilian”?

Depending on how it is used, “reptilian” can be an adjective and a noun.

How many meanings does “reptilian” have?

“Reptilian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to reptiles, or having qualities typical of them.

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