chameleon

[kuh-mee-lee-uhn, -meel-yuhn]

noun

1. any of numerous Old World lizards of the family Chamaeleontidae, characterized by the ability to change the color of their skin, very slow locomotion, and a projectile tongue.

2. any of several American lizards capable of changing the color of the skin, especially Anolis carolinensis American chameleon, of the southeastern U.S.

3. a changeable, fickle, or inconstant person.

4. (initial capital letter),  Chamaeleon.

chameleon

/ kəˌmiːlɪˈɒnɪk, kəˈmiːlɪən /

noun

1. any lizard of the family Chamaeleontidae of Africa and Madagascar, having long slender legs, a prehensile tail and tongue, and the ability to change colour

2. a changeable or fickle person

Other Word Forms

• chameleonic adjective
• chameleonlike adjective
• chameleon-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chameleon¹

1300–50; variant of chamaeleon < Latin < Greek chamailéōn, equivalent to chamaí on the ground, dwarf (akin to humus ) + léōn lion; replacing Middle English camelion < Middle French < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of chameleon¹

C14: from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek khamaileōn, from khamai on the ground + leōn _lion

Example Sentences

“About his style, he said that he was like a chameleon, changing completely from one moment to another, from one situation to another,” Khondji, 69, recalls via Zoom.

From Los Angeles Times

“I really wanted Julian to feel like a chameleon because, as an actor, it’s just so much fun to play characters who are contradicting and complex,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

The camouflage from his status as a commercial chameleon means that "despite the clear L and Not Like Us becoming a defining moment in rap history, Drake keeps moving", says Borkowski.

From BBC

The pair were found in possession of "assorted charms", including a live chameleon, the police added.

From BBC

However, in the realm of politics, McDonald’s also operates more broadly as a convenient, yet powerful rhetorical chameleon.

From Salon