venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈve-nə-məs 

1

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

venomous snakes

2

: full of venom: such as

a

: poisonous, envenomed

b

: noxious, pernicious

expose a venomous dope ring

—Don Porter

c

: spiteful, malevolent

venomous criticism

venomously adverb

venomousness noun

Synonyms

• envenomed
• poison
• poisoned
• poisonous
• toxic

Examples of venomous in a Sentence

The cobra is a venomous snake.

a venomous attack on his character

Recent Examples on the Web

Roughly 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes across the U.S. every year—with 8–15 deaths as a result—according to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

According to wildlife specialist Kayla Jobe, who spoke with KOKI, bull snakes are not venomous and can be helpful to have near (but not in) your home since the reptile eats small rodents. —Tabitha Parent, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

The show brings viewers up close with deadly animals such as camouflaging cuttlefish and hippos to ferocious great white sharks and venomous spiders and snakes. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024

For instance, modern scorpions retain many of the same features as their ancient ancestors, such as their segmented bodies, pincers (chelae), and the distinctive tail with a venomous stinger. 2. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English venimous, borrowed from Anglo-French venimus, venimous, from venim venom entry 1 + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈven-ə-məs 

: having or producing venom

venomous snakes

venomously adverb

Medical Definition

venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈven-ə-məs 

1

: poisonous

2

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

the vipers, pit vipers, and coral snakes are venomous