# newt

/ˈnut/ (US) · /njˈuːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/newt
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a small animal that looks like a lizard but can live both in water and on land. It has a long tail and moist skin, and it belongs to the salamander family.

For teachers: a small, semi-aquatic amphibian belonging to the subfamily Pleurodelinae. It is distinguished from other salamanders by its rougher skin and its life cycle, which involves alternating between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

## Examples

- A small green newt swam across the pond.
- During the spring breeding season, you can often find a newt hiding under damp logs near the garden pool.
- The presence of the great crested newt in the local wetlands led to a significant delay in the housing development while environmental impact studies were conducted.

## Usage notes

- Refers specifically to the animal; the term is often used in the phrase 'blind as a newt' in British English to describe someone who is very drunk.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.