Meaning

(informal) Any animal of the class Reptilia that is not a bird — a cold-blooded vertebrate with dry scales that usually lays eggs, such as a lizard, snake, turtle, crocodile, alligator, etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. (informal) Any animal of the class Reptilia that is not a bird — a cold-blooded vertebrate with dry scales that usually lays eggs, such as a lizard, snake, turtle, crocodile, alligator, etc.
2. (zoology, cladistically) Any member of Reptilia, including birds.
3. (loosely, historical) A reptile or amphibian.
4. (figuratively, dated) A mean, grovelling, loathsome or repulsive person.
5. Creeping; moving on the belly, or by means of small and short legs.
6. Grovelling; low; vulgar.

Example Sentences

This work may, indeed, be considered as a great creation of our own; and for a little reptile of a critic to presume to find fault with any of its parts, without knowing the manner in which the whole is connected, and before he comes to the final catastrophe, is a most presumptuous absurdity.

"That reptile," whispered Pott, catching Mr. Pickwick by the arm, and pointing towards the stranger. "That reptile — Slurk, of the Independent!"

[…] If I pitied you for crying and looking so very frightened, you should spurn such pity. Ellen, tell him how disgraceful this conduct is. Rise, and don’t degrade yourself into an abject reptile—don’t!

a reptile race or crew    reptile vices

There is also a false, reptile prudence, the result not of caution, but of fear.

My herald shall appoint a week, / And let the recreant traitors seek / My tournay court—that there and then / I may dislodge their reptile souls / From the bodies and forms of men!

Word Forms

• reptiles

Synonyms for reptile

Related Words

When Should You Use Reptile?

Use reptile when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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