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
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Neither Rothwell nor Belinda was a fan of the giant monitor lizard with whom her character shares a scene. Phoebe Reilly, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 The scientists additionally learned that other reptiles (including other members of the monitor lizard family) also have some iron distributed throughout their teeth, but in much smaller amounts. New Atlas, 24 July 2024 One character even falls into the lagoon—which, during my visit, was quite serene, with blooming lotus flowers on the water’s surface and harmless—but surprisingly large—monitor lizards lurking underneath. Anna Haines, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025 The Phoenix Herpetological Society rescued a giant monitor lizard from the side of Loop 101 near Cave Creek Road yesterday morning. Axios Phoenix, Axios, 11 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

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Cite this Entry

“Monitor lizard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monitor%20lizard. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

monitor lizard

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

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