monitor lizard

noun

: any of various tropical carnivorous lizards (genus Varanus of the family Varanidae) of Australia, Asia, and Africa

Examples of monitor lizard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are no native monitor lizards in the Americas. Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 Wild monitor lizards are caught and bent backwards or burnt alive to make their genitals protrude. Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 The list includes several other kinds of monitor lizards, alligators and crocodiles, suggesting the adaptation could be widespread in reptile teeth. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024 Measuring as much as 3 meters (9.8 ft) in length and tipping the scales at up to 150 kg (330 lb), the Komodo dragon is the largest member of the monitor lizard family, and the world's largest lizard overall. New Atlas, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for monitor lizard 

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monitor lizard was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near monitor lizard

Cite this Entry

“Monitor lizard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monitor%20lizard. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

monitor lizard

noun
: any of various large flesh-eating lizards of very warm areas in Africa, Australia, and Asia

More from Merriam-Webster on monitor lizard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!