lizard

noun

liz·​ard ˈli-zərd How to pronounce lizard (audio)
1
: any of a suborder (Lacertilia) of reptiles distinguished from the snakes by a fused inseparable lower jaw, a single temporal opening, two pairs of well differentiated functional limbs which may be lacking in burrowing forms, external ears, and eyes with movable lids
broadly : any relatively long-bodied reptile (such as a crocodile or dinosaur) with legs and tapering tail
2
: leather made from lizard skin

Examples of lizard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the beginning of the Triassic period, dinosaurs were one of many lizards roaming the Earth. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024 The possibilities for trendy TikTok toys and gifts are endless, from a crawling robotic lizard to a cute storm cloud that predicts the weather and a viral hair straightener brush. De Elizabeth, Parents, 26 Nov. 2024 Willie watched as the little lizard put up a brave fight against its large attacker. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 There are always little lizards on the path as well. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lizard 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English liserd, from Anglo-French lesarde, from Latin lacerta

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lizard was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lizard

Cite this Entry

“Lizard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lizard. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lizard

noun
liz·​ard ˈliz-ərd How to pronounce lizard (audio)
: any of a group of reptiles that can be told apart from the related snakes by their lower jaw which has the two halves joined and inseparable, by ears which are outside the body, by eyes with movable lids, and usually by two pairs of functional limbs

More from Merriam-Webster on lizard

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