lizard

[liz-erd]

noun

1. any of numerous scaly reptiles of the suborder Sauria, order Squamata, typically having a moderately elongate body, a tapering tail, and two pairs of legs held outward from the body, comprising mostly terrestrial and burrowing species.

2. any of various reptiles resembling a lizard, as a dinosaur or crocodile.

3. leather made from the skin of the lizard, used for shoes, purses, etc.

4. Astronomy.,  Lizard, the constellation Lacerta.

5. Older Slang,,  lounge lizard.

6. Nautical.,  a pennant used as a leader for running rigging, having a thimble or bull's-eye.

7. The Lizard. Lizard Head.

lizard

¹

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

1. any reptile of the suborder Lacertilia (or Sauria ), esp those of the family Lacertidae (Old World lizards), typically having an elongated body, four limbs, and a long tail: includes the geckos, iguanas, chameleons, monitors, and slow worms

2. 1. leather made from the skin of such an animal

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lizard handbag

Lizard

²

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

1. Also known as: Lizard Head.  the Lizard Peninsula. a promontory in SW England, in SW Cornwall: the southernmost point in Great Britain

Word History and Origins

Origin of lizard¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English liserd, variant of lesard(e), from Middle French lesarde, from Latin lacerta

Word History and Origins

Origin of lizard¹

C14: via Old French from Latin lacerta

Example Sentences

Gabriel says that his childhood was engulfed by outlandish misinformation about 9/11 being "an inside job" and the Royal Family being shape-shifting lizards.

Read more on BBC

A group of scientists also took home the nutrition prize for their grounbreaking discovery that rainbow lizards in Togo have a penchant for four-cheese pizza over other toppings.

Read more on BBC

Harley is a rescue hound, of indeterminate but clearly mixed breed, who is given to leaping in the air to snap at moths and making vain but enthusiastic attempts to catch lizards.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Dozens of animals rely on them to survive, from ladder-backed woodpeckers who nest in their trunks to desert night lizards who sleep and forage beneath their fallen boughs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A big vulpine armored lizard with a mouth inside a mouth, the better to eat you with — and it is a very messy eater — it is perhaps the most disturbing member of this club.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• seducer