reptilian

1 of 2

adjective

rep·​til·​ian rep-ˈti-lē-ən 

-ˈtil-yən

1

: resembling or having the characteristics of the reptiles

2

: of or relating to the reptiles

3

: cold-bloodedly treacherous

a reptilian villain

—Theodore Dreiser

reptilian

2 of 2

noun

: reptile sense 2

Examples of reptilian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The 2x Golden Globe nominee mourned the death of his alligator co-star Morris, who played the titular character’s nemesis in the 1996 golf comedy, on Wednesday with a sweet tribute to the reptilian actor on Instagram. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 May 2025

How did reptilian things that looked something like crocodiles get to the Caribbean islands from South America millions of years ago? —Ashley Belanger – May 16, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025

Noun

Kids are fascinated by these ancient reptilian creatures, and CoComelon taps into that in this song. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 May 2025

Before that period, during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, fierce aquatic reptilian predators prowled the oceans, including pliosaurids with jaws over six feet long, toothy thalattosuchia crocodyliforms, and fast, fish-like ichthyosaurians. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reptilian

• castilian
• civilian
• cotillion
• pavilion
• postilion
• quadrillion
• vermilion
• vermillion
• billion
• million
• pillion
• trillion

Kids Definition

reptilian

adjective

rep·​til·​ian

rep-ˈtil-ē-ən

: of, relating to, or resembling reptiles