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

Florida is home to 46 species of snakes, including six that are venomous. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2024

Exploring Arizona:Arizona is home to 14 venomous snake species. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 6 Aug. 2024

The timber rattlesnake is one of two venomous snakes found in Connecticut — the other being the northern copperhead — and is extremely rare, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. —Dave Collins, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2024

The males are one of the only venomous mammals, equipped with sharp spurs on their hind feet that are covered with a clear, slightly sticky fluid akin to snake venom that causes severe pain and swelling in victims who are scratched. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 27 July 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