# reptilian

/ɹɛpˈtɪɫjən/ (US) · /ɹɛptˈɪliən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reptilian
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

relating to reptiles, which are cold-blooded animals like snakes, lizards, and turtles. It describes things that look or act like these creatures.

For teachers: relating to or resembling reptiles, which are cold-blooded vertebrates with scaly skin. Often used to describe physical features, behaviors, or evolutionary traits.

## Examples

- The snake has a reptilian appearance with its scaly skin.
- The ancient creature had a reptilian body plan that allowed it to survive in the harsh desert environment.
- While the creature's exterior was distinctly reptilian, its internal skeletal structure suggested a more advanced evolutionary lineage than its surface-level features might imply.

---

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.