boa

noun

ˈbō-ə 

1

: any of a family (Boidae) of large snakes that kill by constriction and that includes the boa constrictor, anaconda, and python

2

: a long fluffy scarf

Examples of boa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Quinlan was off for the day when a student checked on the snake, a 13-year-old six-foot Brazilian rainbow boa named Ronaldo. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024

Normally, Booth told me, when boas are pregnant, they kind of bask in the hotter end of their tanks. —Byrd Pinkerton, Vox, 12 June 2024

The boa passed the ball run system and collided with one of the pipes. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 May 2024

All three of these lizard groups carry some venom, though the snake groups that diverged early from the others like boas or blind snakes have a lot less of it. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a water snake

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing boa

• boa constrictor

Kids Definition

boa

noun

ˈbō-ə 

1

: any of various large snakes (as the boa constrictor, anaconda, or python) that crushes its prey

2

: a long fluffy scarf of fur, feathers, or fabric