lizard

IPA/ˈlɪzəd/
KK[lˈɪzɚd]IPA/ˈlɪzərd/

lizard — noun

  • lizardsingular
  • lizardsplural

1. A cold-blooded reptile whose body is covered in scales or hard, dry skin. Lizard

1.nounB1
Definition

A cold-blooded reptile whose body is covered in scales or hard, dry skin. Lizards have a long body, a tapering tail, and almost always four short legs. They live in warm climates in many parts of the world.

Example

Otis saw a small green lizard sunning itself on a rock near the garden wall.

sunning itself on + [surface] — basking behaviour

The children watched the lizard's tongue shoot out to catch a fly.

watch + possessive + [body part] + verb — describing animal actions

Common collocations
  • small lizard
  • green lizard
  • pet lizard
  • lizard runs
  • lizard suns itself
  • lizard skin

Grammar Patterns

a lizard / the lizard / lizards

Word family

  • lizards
    nounB1
  • lizard-like
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Lizard is the general term for a reptile with scales, four legs, and a long tail. A gecko is a specific type of lizard with sticky toe pads that let it climb walls and ceilings; geckos are common in warm climates and often live near houses. A chameleon is another kind of lizard known for changing the colour of its skin to blend in with its surroundings. While all three are reptiles, a salamander looks similar to a lizard but is actually an amphibian — it has smooth, moist skin instead of scales, and lives near water. If you see a dry-scaly creature on a rock in the sun, it is a lizard or a gecko; if the creature is wet-skinned and near a pond, it is probably a salamander.

lizard ↗gecko ↗chameleonsalamander ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • sunning itself
  • catch insects
  • blend in with surroundings
  • warm climate

Prepositions

  • on a rock
  • under a bush
  • in a tank
  • across the path

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Lizard entered English from Old French 'lesarde', which came from Latin 'lacertus', a word for a type of lizard. The same Latin root may be related to 'lacertum' (upper arm muscle), possibly because a lizard's quick, twisting movements reminded Latin speakers of a muscular arm in motion.