1 serpent | Definition of serpent

serpent

noun
ser·​pent | \ ˈsər-pənt How to pronounce serpent (audio) \

Definition of serpent

1a archaic : a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings
b : snake
3 : a treacherous person

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Synonyms for serpent

Synonyms

snake, viper

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Examples of serpent in a Sentence

an Aztec carving of a feathered serpent representing the god Quetzalcoatl beware the temptations of the serpent

Recent Examples on the Web

The particular python found on Sunday is the Everglade's largest on record, but only by a smidge: In 2016, researchers tracked down a 16-foot, 140-pound serpent somewhere in the marshlands. — Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "Researchers Capture the Biggest Snake Ever Found in the Florida Everglades," 8 Apr. 2019 Distraught by a snake targeting her beloved backyard birds and squirrels, an 89-year-old woman took matters into her own hands, killing the 6-foot-long serpent with a hammer to its head. — Markeith Cromartie, USA TODAY, "89-year-old Florida woman battles and kills 6-foot snake after it eats visiting birds," 9 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'serpent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of serpent

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for serpent

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin serpent-, serpens, from present participle of serpere to creep; akin to Greek herpein to creep, Sanskrit sarpati he creeps

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More Definitions for serpent

serpent

noun

English Language Learners Definition of serpent

literary : a usually large snake

serpent

noun
ser·​pent | \ ˈsər-pənt How to pronounce serpent (audio) \

Kids Definition of serpent

: a usually large snake

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