Serpent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈsər-pənt/ ser·pent

Meaning & Definition of Serpent

Serpent (noun)

  1. a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings
  2. snake
  3. devil

Serpent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a limbless reptile with a long body

    "an Aztec carving of a feathered serpent representing the god Quetzalcoatl"

    similar: snake, viper
    related: adder, anaconda, asp, black racer, blacksnake, blue racer, boa, bull snake, bushmaster, chicken snake, cobra, constrictor, copperhead, coral snake, cottonmouth moccasin, diamondback rattlesnake, fer-de-lance, garter snake, gopher snake, green snake, hognose snake, horned viper, indigo snake, king cobra, king snake, krait, mamba, milk snake, moccasin, pine snake, pit viper, puff adder, python, racer, rat snake, rattlesnake, sea serpent, sea snake, sidewinder, taipan, water moccasin, water snake, worm snake

  2. the supreme personification of evil often represented as the ruler of hell

    "beware the temptations of the serpent"

    similar: archfiend, Beelzebub, devil, fiend, Lucifer, Old Nick, Satan
    related: deuce, dickens, Mephistopheles

  3. one who betrays a trust or an allegiance

    "a serpent in their midst had betrayed the revolutionaries to the authorities"

    similar: apostate, backstabber, betrayer, double-crosser, double-dealer, Judas, quisling, recreant, snake, traitor, turncoat
    related: accommodationist, collaborationist, collaborator, sellout, subversive, subverter, coconspirator, conspirator, intriguer, plotter, schemer, defector, deserter, renegade, blabbermouth, gossip, gossiper, gossipmonger, informant, informer, rat, rumormonger, snitch, snitcher, squealer, stool pigeon, talebearer, talker, tattler, tattletale, telltale

Related Entry: Sea serpent (noun)

Sea serpent is a different word from Serpent. The synonyms below are for sea serpent, not for serpent.

  1. as in diamondback rattlesnake, garter snake

    similar: adder, anaconda, asp, black racer, blacksnake, blue racer, boa, bull snake, bushmaster, chicken snake, cobra, constrictor, copperhead, coral snake, cottonmouth moccasin, diamondback rattlesnake, fer-de-lance, garter snake, gopher snake, green snake, hognose snake, horned viper, indigo snake, king cobra, king snake, krait, mamba, milk snake, moccasin, pine snake, pit viper, puff adder, python, racer, rat snake, rattlesnake, sea snake, sidewinder, taipan, water moccasin, water snake, worm snake, serpent, snake, viper

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Serpent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Serpent:

snake, viper, archfiend, Beelzebub, devil, fiend, Lucifer, Old Nick, Satan, apostate, backstabber, betrayer, double-crosser, double-dealer, Judas, quisling, recreant, traitor, turncoat

Related Words for Serpent

adder, anaconda, asp, black racer, blacksnake, blue racer, boa, bull snake, bushmaster, chicken snake, cobra, constrictor, copperhead, coral snake, cottonmouth moccasin, diamondback rattlesnake, fer-de-lance, garter snake, gopher snake, green snake, hognose snake, horned viper, indigo snake, king cobra, king snake, krait, mamba, milk snake, moccasin, pine snake

Origin & Etymology of 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

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Serpent

sea serpent

Frequently Asked Questions about Serpent

What does "Serpent" mean?

"Serpent" means a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings. As a noun, it is defined as: a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Serpent"?

Other words for "Serpent" include snake, viper, archfiend, Beelzebub, devil, fiend, Lucifer and Old Nick. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Serpent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Serpent"?

There are 96 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Serpent". Common alternatives include snake, viper, archfiend, Beelzebub, devil, fiend, Lucifer, Old Nick, Satan and apostate.

How do you use "Serpent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Serpent" in a sentence: "an Aztec carving of a feathered serpent representing the god Quetzalcoatl"; "beware the temptations of the serpent"; "a serpent in their midst had betrayed the revolutionaries to the authorities".

Is "Serpent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Serpent" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Serpent"?

"Serpent" is pronounced /ˈsər-pənt/ and divided into syllables as ser·pent.

What is the origin of the word "Serpent"?

"Serpent" comes from 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. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Serpent" meaning "a limbless reptile with a long body"?

When "Serpent" (noun) means a limbless reptile with a long body, synonyms include snake and viper.