# serpentine

/ˈsɝpənˌtaɪn/ (US) · /sˈɜːpɪntˌaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/serpentine
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

winding and twisting like a snake. You use this to describe things with many curves, like a road or a river.

For teachers: resembling a serpent in form or movement; sinuous and winding. Often describes physical paths or complex, indirect processes.

## Examples

- The car drove slowly down the serpentine mountain road.
- The river followed a serpentine path through the valley, creating deep loops in the green landscape.
- Navigating the serpentine bureaucracy of the regional government required more patience than the young entrepreneur had originally anticipated.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used to describe physical geography or metaphorical complexity.

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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.