Quick Scoop

A serpent is another word for a snake: a long, legless reptile, and the term can also mean a sneaky or dangerous person in older or literary usage.

Simple meaning

In everyday use, **serpent** usually refers to a snake. Snakes are limbless, scaly reptiles, and some species are venomous.

Other meanings

The word can also be used figuratively for someone seen as deceitful or treacherous, and in religious or symbolic contexts it may represent evil, temptation, wisdom, or rebirth.

In plain terms

• Literal: a snake.

• Figurative: a deceitful person.

• Symbolic: a common cultural and religious symbol.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between snake , serpent , and cobra in one quick table.