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

• poisonous
• poisoned
• poison

Examples of venomous in a Sentence

The cobra is a venomous snake.

a venomous attack on his character

Recent Examples on the Web

One contestant was voted off, and the other's life was put at risk by a bite from a highly venomous snake. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025

Black widow spiders are known for their venomous bites, but the level of toxicity and the effects of their bites can vary. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025

Pythons are non-venomous and range in length from 23 inches to 33 feet, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

Their latest case calls for the duo to investigate a venomous, yet misunderstood reptile named Gary De’Snake, who is voiced by Everything Everywhere All At Once star Ke Huy Quan. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025

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