boa

noun

ˈbō-ə 

1

: any of a family (Boidae) of large snakes that kill by constriction and that includes the boa constrictor, anaconda, and python

2

: a long fluffy scarf

Examples of boa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2022, Ryan Seacrest decided to do Halloween as the man of the moment, Styles — pink boa and all. —Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Think things like chiffon robes, sweetheart cut bodysuits, and lots of feather boas. —Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025

There, twice a month, the Michigan Rocky Horror Preservation Society holds court, its members arrayed in corsets, feather boas, ripped jeans and lovingly detailed costumes that evoke their favorite movie's main characters. —Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025

Noam Galai / Getty Images for MTV Details of Sabrina Carpenter's boa and custom rings. —Justine Goode, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a water snake

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing boa

• boa constrictor

Rhymes for boa

• bryozoa
• metazoa
• polyzoa
• protozoa
• noa
• noah
• shoah
• toa
• quinoa
• spermatozoa

Kids Definition

boa

noun

ˈbō-ə 

1

: any of various large snakes (as the boa constrictor, anaconda, or python) that crushes its prey

2

: a long fluffy scarf of fur, feathers, or fabric