chameleon
noun
Did you know?
The chameleon is probably best known for the ability to change colors - but when the ancients named this lizard, they apparently had other qualities in mind. "Chameleon" comes to us, via Latin, from Greek chamaileōn, a combination of "chamai" ("on the ground") and "leōn" ("lion") - a tribute, perhaps, to the lizard's fearsome aspect. It is the ability of the chameleon to change colors, however, that has led to the figurative use of "chameleon" for someone or something that is quick to change. Such figurative use dates back to at least the late 16th century, as demonstrated by King James VI who, writing in 1586 or 1587, requested "I praye you not to takk me to be a Camelion."
Synonyms
Examples of chameleon in a Sentence
Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
Ubiquitous African wildlife, such as monkeys, elephants, and big cats, never lived here—instead, this jungle-dripping island is home to lemurs, chameleons, and thousands of rare birds, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth.
—Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024
The style chameleon, who turned 60 in December, has long been known for his California-cool aesthetic, but lately, he’s been settling into some looks that are decidedly different.
—Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024
Risotto is quite the chameleon and will embrace the best of what any season has to offer.
—Fred Thompson, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Shot by Davis Factor, photographer and founder of Smashbox Cosmetics, the imagery brings together two ’90s beauty legends: the Photo Finish Primer (the first makeup primer to hit the market) and Anderson (actor, author, and bonafide beauty chameleon).
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile reptiles such as the Fito leaf chameleon of Madagascar are probably sitting pretty and waiting to be found.
—Daniel Shailer, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2024
But Jeon, Diao and their colleagues have found a way to use only one ink to 3D print multiple colors, by using the same trick that chameleons use.
—Eva Amsen, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Not to get all IMDb on you, but the 68-year-old Yakusho has the sort of resume that suggests range, depth, and an enviable ability to contour a role to his strengths rather than go full Method chameleon.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chameleon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing chameleon
Podcast
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!
Dictionary Entries Near chameleon
Cite this Entry
“Chameleon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chameleon. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
chameleon
noun
Middle English chamelion "chameleon," from early French chamelion (same meaning), from Latin chamaeleon (same meaning), from Greek chamaileōn, from chamai "on the ground" and leōn "lion"
More from Merriam-Webster on chameleon
Nglish: Translation of chameleon for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of chameleon for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chameleon
Share