lizard

[ liz-erd ]

noun

1. any of numerous scaly reptiles of the suborder Sauria, order Squamata, typically having a moderately elongate body, a tapering tail, and two pairs of legs held outward from the body, comprising mostly terrestrial and burrowing species.
2. any of various reptiles resembling a lizard, as a dinosaur or crocodile.
3. leather made from the skin of the lizard, used for shoes, purses, etc.
4. Lizard, Astronomy. the constellation Lacerta.
5. Older Slang, lounge lizard.
6. Nautical. a pennant used as a leader for running rigging, having a thimble or bull's-eye.
7. The Lizard. Lizard Head.

Lizard

¹

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

1. the Lizard
   a promontory in SW England, in SW Cornwall: the southernmost point in Great Britain Also known asLizard Headthe Lizard Peninsula

lizard

²

/ ˈlɪzəd /

noun

1. any reptile of the suborder Lacertilia (or Sauria ), esp those of the family Lacertidae (Old World lizards), typically having an elongated body, four limbs, and a long tail: includes the geckos, iguanas, chameleons, monitors, and slow worms lacertiliansaurian
2. 1. leather made from the skin of such an animal
   2. ( as modifier )

      a lizard handbag

Word History and Origins

Origin of lizard¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English liserd, variant of lesard(e), from Middle French lesarde, from Latin lacerta

Word History and Origins

Origin of lizard¹

C14: via Old French from Latin lacerta

Example Sentences

That started with lizard venom experiments in the 1980s.

From Slate

I’m thrilled to say that I haven’t dieted in a long time, but that lizard brain mentality is still with me sometimes telling me what I should and shouldn’t be eating or enjoying.

From Los Angeles Times

A lizard on the track caused a brief red-flag period during third practice...

From BBC

“This is our buddy, Lizzy,” Augusztiny said with a smile as he and his wife, Lise Ransdell, greeted an enormous lizard that crawled out from under a large Salvia ‘Desperado’ plant.

From Los Angeles Times

He runs with a big crew: his girlfriend, their children, three dogs, two chickens, a lizard and tortoise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• seducer