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
Theodore DreiserExamples of reptilian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
The rancorous, reptilian, essentially unknowable right—rising from the wastes like Trump, Putin, or Sauron—receives the Promethean gift of historical agency.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Hannah Malach, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
They were described as looking like large reptilian kangaroos with huge red eyes, able to walk standing upright.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for reptilian
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.
Adjective
Among the most significant mysteries of the end-Triassic extinction, however, is why dinosaurs and pterosaurs fared so much better than so many of their reptilian neighbors.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
The rancorous, reptilian, essentially unknowable right—rising from the wastes like Trump, Putin, or Sauron—receives the Promethean gift of historical agency.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
The Skims founder selected a backless Balmain gown, which featured a halter neckline, chainmail panels and reptilian embossing.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
They were described as looking like large reptilian kangaroos with huge red eyes, able to walk standing upright.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for reptilian
Articles Related to reptilian
Cite this Entry
“Reptilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reptilian. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share