Search Dictionary
Definition of serpentine

serpentine

/ˈsɜːr.pən.tiːn/
ser · pen · tine

Adverb:serpentinely
•
Past Simple:serpentined
•
Past Participle:serpentined
•
Present Participle:serpentining
JUMP TO:

serpentine Lexical Profile

serpentine Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Moving, bending, or winding like a snake.

Example

"The hikers navigated a serpentine trail that switched back and forth up the steep mountain."


2

Subtle, shrewd, cunning, or treacherous in a way that resembles a serpent.

Example

"The politician's serpentine logic managed to confuse his opponents and obscure his true intentions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for serpentine
Antonyms
View all antonyms for serpentine

• verb

1

To move or extend in a curving, winding, or sinuous path.

Example

"The historic river serpentines through the lush valley, nourishing the surrounding farmlands."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for serpentine

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'serpentine', via Old French from Late Latin 'serpentinus', derived from Latin 'serpens' (meaning 'creeping' or 'snake').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Serpentine. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/serpentine
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.