reptilian

American  

[rep-til-ee-uhn, -til-yuhn] / rɛpˈtɪl i ən, -ˈtɪl yən /

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Reptilia.

2. groveling, debased, or despicable; contemptible.

3. mean; treacherous; harmful.

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noun

1. a reptile.

reptilian British  

/ rɛpˈtɪlɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, resembling, or characteristic of reptiles

2. mean or treacherous; contemptible

   reptilian behaviour

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noun

1. a less common name for reptile

reptilian Scientific  

/ rĕp-tĭl′ē-ən /

1. Relating to or characteristic of reptiles.

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Etymology

Origin of reptilian

1840–50; < New Latin Reptili ( a ) reptiles (plural of rēptile, neuter of Late Latin rēptilis; reptile ) + -an

Explanation

Use the adjective reptilian to describe a reptile: your pet iguana, while also sweet and possibly cuddly, is definitely reptilian. Crocodiles, lizards, and turtles are all reptiles, and you can therefore describe all of them as reptilian. A reptilian animal is not a mammal or a bird, and it is most likely cold-blooded and egg laying. You can also use the word reptilian to describe something — or someone — that reminds you of a reptile. The Latin root is reptilis, which means "creeping or crawling."

Example Sentences

“Meditation—it’s not worth it…meditation activates the reptilian freeze mechanism, so it is counterproductive. What works for me is movement and curiosity.”

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Porkchop earned her 15 minutes of reptilian fame by becoming the first turtle to swim in the tank.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

The species of crocodylomorph roamed Earth about 215 million years ago during the Triassic period and is believed to have been a fast-moving, land-dwelling predator resembling a "reptilian greyhound".

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

“In his reptilian survival way, he says ‘I’m going to do this and draw attention away from Epstein,'” he said.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2026

Her heart is the heart of a dying turtle: reptilian, dark-red, diseased.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood