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fence lizard

American

noun

either of two spiny lizards, Sceloporus undulatus and S. occidentalis, of the U.S. and northern Mexico, often seen on fences.

Etymology

Origin of fence lizard

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A western fence lizard performs its push-up display in Griffith Park.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

With the 10th City Nature Challenge — a four-day “bioblitz” competition to document urban animals and plants — beginning this week, now seems the perfect time to celebrate our friendly neighborhood fence lizard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

If you happen to spot a fence lizard, look closely.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

In Los Angeles County, it was the Western fence lizard, followed by the western honey bee.

From New York Times • May 15, 2023

The fence lizard, a scaly alligator looking chap, is just as useful but never gets tame.

From How Girls Can Help Their Country by Low, Juliette Gordon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023