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

• 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

But no creature was more ubiquitous in the rock faces than snakes, of which the team found dozens, including the most astounding engraving yet: a more than 130-foot long serpent. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2024

Yes, now there’s a trove notable for massive bronze cauldrons and tiny coins, depictions of writhing serpents and exquisite silk-gauze robes — excavated in the Yangzi River area and then displayed in Chinese museums. —Robert Taylor, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024

The print could be set to match her serpent theme, or in reference to Bryan Fury, also from Tekken, fans speculate. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 10 May 2024

This serpent, a symbol that has been a part of Megan’s journey since the start of the year, holds a special meaning to her ardent supporters. —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 7 May 2024

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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing serpent

• sea serpent

Kids Definition

serpent

noun

ser·​pent ˈsər-pənt 

: a usually large snake