king cobra

noun

: a large cobra (Ophiophagus hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

Illustration of king cobra

Illustration of king cobra

Examples of king cobra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The antibody, however, did not save mice from king cobra venom. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 Researchers have created a powerful synthetic antibody that counteracts the deadly venom produced by snakes in the Elapidae family—which includes the black mamba, king cobra and kraits. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 Large and impressive Asian reptiles here include king cobras, Tomistoma crocodiles and reticulated pythons. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The world’s largest venomous snake is the king cobra — and while the royal court of snakes doesn’t include the existence of a queen cobra, Megan Thee Stallion is stepping into that role herself. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for king cobra 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'king cobra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of king cobra was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near king cobra

Cite this Entry

“King cobra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king%20cobra. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

king cobra

noun
: a large very poisonous snake of southeastern Asia and the Philippines

Medical Definition

king cobra

noun
king co·​bra ˈkiŋ-ˈkō-brə How to pronounce king cobra (audio)
: a large and very venomous cobra of the genus Ophiophagus (O. hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

called also hamadryad

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