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

In ancient Egyptian art, Apophis was frequently portrayed as a massive serpent, embodying chaos and darkness. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

The pros seemed to take a liking to the serpent, too, posing with the beast and dubbing him Waste Management. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 19 Sep. 2024

Heidi Klum as the Garden of Eden in 2006 Among Klum's more inspired Halloween costume ideas, the model dressed as the apple and serpent that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. —Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Project Overview Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $60 Yield: 1 Snake Supersize serpents will make even the bravest in the neighborhood feel squeamish. —Beverly Rivers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 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