rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈra-tᵊl-ˌsnāk How to pronounce rattlesnake (audio)
Synonyms of rattlesnakenext
: 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

Illustration of rattlesnake

Examples of rattlesnake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In most cases, a rattlesnake will inject venom with its bite. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 Copperhead bites can be fatal, but their venom isn’t as potent as other snakes in North Carolina, such as the rattlesnake, Owens said. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Texas rattlesnakes locations, identifiers There are 10 species of rattlesnake in Texas. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 July 2026 In any number of species—elephant seals, red deer, rattlesnakes—the privilege of mating is settled by a fight. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rattlesnake

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattlesnake was in 1624

Phrases Containing rattlesnake

Rhymes for rattlesnake

See All Rhymes for rattlesnake

Browse Nearby Words

rattlertree
rattlesnake
rattlesnake-bite
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Cite this Entry

“Rattlesnake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattlesnake. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rattlesnake

noun
rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk How to pronounce rattlesnake (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce rattlesnake (audio)
: 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
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