reptile: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, technical, and informal (when used metaphorically).
Quick answer
What does “reptile” mean?
A cold-blooded, scaly vertebrate animal that typically lays eggs and moves by crawling or slithering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cold-blooded, scaly vertebrate animal that typically lays eggs and moves by crawling or slithering.
A person regarded as contemptible or untrustworthy; a person with repulsive, cold, or treacherous qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the primary zoological sense. The pejorative metaphorical use is common in both, though possibly more frequent in British journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share the same core and extended (negative) connotations.
Frequency
The word is of similar general frequency in both dialects, being a standard term in zoology and general knowledge.
Grammar
How to Use “reptile” in a Sentence
N (countable)N of N (the reptile of the group)ADJ + N (a large reptile)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reptile” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The reptile enclosure was newly built.
- He has a certain reptile cunning.
American English
- The reptile exhibit is on the second floor.
- She was fascinated by reptile physiology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in a critical article: 'He's a corporate reptile.'
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, palaeontology, and herpetology contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing animals, pets, or nature documentaries. Metaphorical use in heated discourse.
Technical
The precise taxonomic class Reptilia, including turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and tuatara.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reptile”
- Mispronouncing as /rɪpˈtaɪl/.
- Incorrectly including amphibians like frogs in the category.
- Overusing the pejorative sense in neutral contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern taxonomy, turtles (order Testudines) are classified as reptiles, part of the class Reptilia.
Key differences: reptiles have scaly skin and lay eggs with leathery shells, typically on land. Amphibians have moist, permeable skin and usually lay eggs in water, undergoing a larval stage (like tadpoles).
It is a standard, formal word in scientific contexts. Its use to describe a person is informal and strongly pejorative.
No, 'reptile' is solely a noun (and occasionally an attributive noun/adjective, e.g., 'reptile house'). There is no standard verb form.
A cold-blooded, scaly vertebrate animal that typically lays eggs and moves by crawling or slithering.
Reptile: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛptaɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛpˌtaɪl/ /ˈrɛpˌtəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) cold-blooded as a reptile”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REPTILE CREEPING ON A TILE floor. 'REP-TILE'.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/CRUELTY IS COLD-BLOODED (like a reptile). DECEPTION/STEALTH IS A REPTILE'S MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, calling someone a 'reptile' primarily implies they are: