rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈra-tᵊl-ˌsnāk 

: any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken

Illustration of rattlesnake

Examples of rattlesnake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a recent study, in what way are Catalina Island’s rattlesnakes markedly different from their mainland counterparts? —Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024

There's new additions to the families of rattlesnakes in a Colorado mega-den. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2024

The commotion attracted the rest of the group's attention to two rattlesnakes fighting in the middle of the path. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2024

Arizona has an abundance of reptiles from Gila monsters to rattlesnakes. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rattlesnake

• diamondback rattlesnake
• rattlesnake master
• rattlesnake plantain
• rattlesnake root
• rattlesnake weed
• timber rattlesnake

Kids Definition

rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk 

: any of various poisonous American snakes with a rattle at the end of the tail

Medical Definition

rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk 

: any of the American pit vipers that have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when vibrated and that comprise the genera Sistrurus and Crotalus see diamondback rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake