garter snake

noun

: any of a genus (Thamnophis) of harmless viviparous American snakes with longitudinal stripes on the back

Illustration of garter snake

Illustration of garter snake

Examples of garter snake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between the lines: The plains garter snake's disappearance points to largerproblems with the ecosystems in our backyards. Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025 Amphibians such as frogs and toads thrive in the moisture-rich soil, while reptiles like garter snakes patrol the forest floor. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 However, eastern garter snakes and eastern rat snakes are both native to Virginia. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024 Apart from garter snakes, which are known to cluster together in their hundreds in what’s called a hibernaculum during the winter months, most snakes are solo actors. New Atlas, 21 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for garter snake 

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of garter snake was in 1743

Dictionary Entries Near garter snake

Cite this Entry

“Garter snake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garter%20snake. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

garter snake

noun
: any of numerous harmless American snakes with stripes along the back

More from Merriam-Webster on garter snake

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