Meaning & use
salamander
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A small amphibian with a long tail and moist skin, typically living near water or in damp places.
Grammar: Countable: a salamander, two salamanders.
Patterns
- a salamander
- salamanders live
- look for salamanders
We found a salamander under a log near the stream.
Salamanders need moisture to survive.
The salamander's skin is smooth and shiny.
nouncountableliterary
A mythological creature resembling a lizard, often said to live in fire.
Grammar: Countable; often used in fantasy or folklore contexts.
Patterns
- a salamander
- the fire salamander
In medieval legends, the salamander was believed to be born from fire.
The story features a talking salamander who guards a treasure.
Word forms
| plural | salamanders |
|---|
Common combinations
- fire salamander
- The fire salamander is black with yellow spots.
- giant salamander
- The giant salamander is one of the largest amphibians.
- salamander habitat
- Pollution is destroying salamander habitat.
- spotted salamander
- The spotted salamander is common in North America.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: salamander or lizard?
salamander vs lizard
Lizards are reptiles with scales; salamanders are amphibians with moist skin and typically live in wet environments.
Practice
Which of these is a correct description of a salamander?
Choose one answer.
Salamanders are amphibians, so they have moist skin. Reptiles like lizards have dry scales, and birds and mammals are different groups.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “salamander”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.