boa constrictor

noun

: a tropical American boa (Boa constrictor synonym Constrictor constrictor) that is light brown barred or mottled with darker brown and reaches a length of 10 feet (3 meters) or more
broadly : boa sense 1

Examples of boa constrictor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Dodgers’ offense has found a 24-hour revival in the Bay Area, putting up 23 runs over the last two games at Oracle Park and tightening their boa constrictor-like pressure on opponents. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 This included cobras, a green mamba, a boa constrictor and tarantulas, authorities said. Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025 Around 2009, a small gathering of people, including a Times reporter, was invited to attend an OM demonstration featuring Daedone; at some point, what looked like a boa constrictor was brought out of a basket. Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 Snakes are a central part of this group of animal villains, but while boa constrictors or venomous rattlesnakes have earned it, not all snakes warrant a fight-or-flight response. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boa constrictor

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boa constrictor was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Boa constrictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boa%20constrictor. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

boa constrictor

noun
boa con·​stric·​tor
-kən-ˈstrik-tər
: a brown tropical American boa that grows to 10 feet (3 meters) or longer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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