A1 noun Neutral

reptile

/ˈreptaɪl/

A reptile is a cold-blooded animal with dry, scaly skin that usually lays eggs on land. Snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles are common examples of this group of animals.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I saw a small green reptile hiding under a rock in the garden.

I saw a small green reptile hiding under a rock in the garden.

2

The zoological society is dedicated to the protection of every endangered reptile species.

The zoological society is dedicated to the protection of every endangered reptile species.

3

My brother thinks a lizard is the best reptile to keep in his room.

My brother thinks a lizard is the best reptile to keep in his room.

Word Family

Noun
reptile
Adjective
reptilian
Related
herpetology
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Memory Tip

Think of a snake 'rep-tiling' its body with many small 'tiles' (scales).

Quick Quiz

A turtle is a _____ that has a hard shell for protection.

Correct!

The correct answer is: c

Examples

1

I saw a small green reptile hiding under a rock in the garden.

everyday

I saw a small green reptile hiding under a rock in the garden.

2

The zoological society is dedicated to the protection of every endangered reptile species.

formal

The zoological society is dedicated to the protection of every endangered reptile species.

3

My brother thinks a lizard is the best reptile to keep in his room.

informal

My brother thinks a lizard is the best reptile to keep in his room.

4

Research indicates that the prehistoric reptile evolved to survive in arid climates.

academic

Research indicates that the prehistoric reptile evolved to survive in arid climates.

5

Our pet store specializes in high-quality food for your domestic reptile.

business

Our pet store specializes in high-quality food for your domestic reptile.

Word Family

Noun
reptile
Adjective
reptilian
Related
herpetology

Common Collocations

cold-blooded reptile cold-blooded reptile
reptile house reptile house
giant reptile giant reptile
reptile skin reptile skin
prehistoric reptile prehistoric reptile

Common Phrases

reptilian brain

reptilian brain

Age of Reptiles

Age of Reptiles

reptile fund

reptile fund

Often Confused With

reptile vs amphibian

Amphibians have moist skin and live part of their lives in water, while reptiles have dry scales and usually live on land.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'reptile' to refer to the biological class of animals including snakes and turtles. It is used in both scientific and general contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Some learners confuse reptiles with amphibians like frogs. Remember that reptiles have scales and usually do not have a larval water stage.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a snake 'rep-tiling' its body with many small 'tiles' (scales).

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'reptilis', which means 'creeping' or 'crawling'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: reptiles Often used as a noun adjunct (e.g., reptile tank)
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Cultural Context

In many cultures, reptiles like snakes are often symbols of either wisdom or danger.

Quick Quiz

A turtle is a _____ that has a hard shell for protection.

Correct!

The correct answer is: c

More nature words

tundra

A1

A large, flat area of land in very cold parts of the world, such as the Arctic. In this area, the ground is frozen and there are no trees, only small plants like moss.

high

A1

tall

rainforest

A1

A thick forest in a tropical area that receives a large amount of rain throughout the year. It is a dense habitat known for having many different types of plants and animals.

wetland

A1

A wetland is an area of land that is always wet or covered with shallow water. It is a very important place where many different plants and animals, like birds and frogs, live.

coral reef

A1

A coral reef is a large underwater structure made from the skeletons of small sea animals called corals. They are usually found in warm, shallow parts of the ocean and provide a home for many types of fish.

vegetation

A1

Vegetation refers to all the plants and trees that grow in a particular area. It is used to describe the green cover of the earth, like forests or grass.

foliage

A1

Foliage refers to the leaves of a plant or tree, considered as a group. It is often used to describe the overall appearance and mass of greenery in a landscape or forest.

canopy

A1

A canopy is a cover that hangs over something, like a bed or a seat, to provide shade or protection. In nature, it is the top layer of a forest where the branches and leaves of tall trees meet to form a roof.

photosynthesis

A1

Photosynthesis is the natural process that green plants use to make their own food. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy and release oxygen into the air.

pollination

A1

Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another to help plants make seeds and fruit. This is usually done by insects like bees or by the wind.

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