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
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Avoid using it as a slur about people's ethnicity or ancestry — that usage is offensive and outdated; stick to describing reptiles or a person's cold demeanor.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
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Word forms
- Plural
- reptilians
- Comparative
- more reptilian
- Superlative
- most reptilian
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for reptilian
See all rhymes for reptilian →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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