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

Detecting a rattlesnake strike could be a lifesaver. —Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 15 Oct. 2024

However, the process of repeatedly taking fat from rattlesnakes proved cumbersome. —Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

The collar’s microphone and sensors can detect rattlesnakes by listening for the sound of a rattle, or detect if a pet goes missing or is kidnapped. —Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 15 Oct. 2024

The rowdy outing also boasts a run-in with rattlesnakes, a couple of musical numbers and a Cheeks family reunion, featuring Johnny Knoxville as twin brother Randy, Craig Robinson as her proud Pa and versatile voice actor Grey DeLisle as four other characters. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 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