1
a
: a common Eurasian venomous snake (Vipera berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and is usually not fatal to humans
broadly
: any of a family (Viperidae) of venomous snakes that includes Old World snakes (subfamily Viperinae) and the pit vipers
b
: a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
2
: a vicious or treacherous person
Examples of viper in a Sentence
a viper sliding silently through the field
Recent Examples on the Web
Then there are Russel’s vipers, big, irritable snakes responsible for 25,000 fatalities in India annually.
—
Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2023
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said multiple attack drones fired by the militants were destroyed with guns and sea viper missiles, and there were no injuries or damage to the ship.
—NBC News, 11 Jan. 2024
They have been seen hunting lizards and are able to mate with other viper species to produce hybrid offspring.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2024
In 2001, on a routine snake-catching operation, a Russell’s viper sank its fangs into his index finger.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023
Later, we are shown ominous faces buried and staring out from beneath a pit of black vipers.
—Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2023
Because carpet viper bites cause bleeding and tissue decay, some victims may need blood transfusions.
—Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2023
Some evidence suggests that antivenom developed using venom from Indian Russell's vipers, for instance, is less effective against venom from Sri Lankan Russell's vipers.
—Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2023
Cold apps include a Seafood Goblet with shrimp and crab; a Watermelon Stack with herbs, crab and viper vinaigrette; and a Southern Charcuterie.
Entrees include a selection of sandwiches, tacos, bowls and salads, plus various catch-of-the-day specials.
—Lawrence Specker | Lspecker@al.com, al, 11 Sep. 2023
Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2023
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said multiple attack drones fired by the militants were destroyed with guns and sea viper missiles, and there were no injuries or damage to the ship.
—NBC News, 11 Jan. 2024
They have been seen hunting lizards and are able to mate with other viper species to produce hybrid offspring.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2024
In 2001, on a routine snake-catching operation, a Russell’s viper sank its fangs into his index finger.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023
Later, we are shown ominous faces buried and staring out from beneath a pit of black vipers.
—Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2023
Because carpet viper bites cause bleeding and tissue decay, some victims may need blood transfusions.
—Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2023
Some evidence suggests that antivenom developed using venom from Indian Russell's vipers, for instance, is less effective against venom from Sri Lankan Russell's vipers.
—Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2023
Cold apps include a Seafood Goblet with shrimp and crab; a Watermelon Stack with herbs, crab and viper vinaigrette; and a Southern Charcuterie.
Entrees include a selection of sandwiches, tacos, bowls and salads, plus various catch-of-the-day specials.
—Lawrence Specker | Lspecker@al.com, al, 11 Sep. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near viper
Cite this Entry
“Viper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viper. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
viper
noun
vi·per
ˈvī-pər 
1
: any of a family of poisonous snakes having heavy bodies, broad heads, and hollow tube-shaped fangs and including Old World snakes and the pit vipers
2
: any snake that is poisonous or that is believed to be poisonous
Medical Definition
viper
noun
vi·per
ˈvī-pər
1
: a common Eurasian venomous snake of the genus Vipera (V. berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and whose bite is usually not fatal to humans
broadly
: any snake of an Old World subfamily (Viperinae) of the family Viperidae
2
3
: a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
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