newt

noun

ˈnüt How to pronounce newt (audio)
ˈnyüt
: any of various small salamanders (family Salamandridae) that are usually semiaquatic as adults

Illustration of newt

Illustration of newt

Examples of newt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The two elders stand together over a blender and cast a spell: Eye of newt, toe of frog, wing of bat, tongue of dog. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 Now, new research suggests that the toxic tango between the rough-skinned newt and its serpent predator may have a third participant: bacteria living on the newt’s skin, according to a new study published in the journal eLife. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2020 For eternal life, harvest a dead man's toe and a newt's saliva. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2023 Grace Givertz's newt, Fig. Megan Johnson, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for newt 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration (resulting from misdivision of an ewte) of ewte — more at eft

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of newt was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near newt

Cite this Entry

“Newt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newt. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

newt

noun
: any of various small salamanders that live mostly in water

More from Merriam-Webster on newt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!