copperhead

noun

cop·​per·​head ˈkä-pər-ˌhed 

plural copperheads

1

: a common pit viper (Agkistrodon contortrix) of the eastern and central U.S. usually having a copper-colored head and often a reddish-brown hourglass pattern on the body

2

disapproving : a person in the northern states who sympathized with the South during the American Civil War

Illustration of copperhead

• copperhead 1

Examples of copperhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

North Carolina is perhaps better associated with copperheads, but the state is also home to rattlesnakes. — Eva Flowe june 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

The most common snake Kansas Citians may encounter are copperheads. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

Photo courtesy of Zachary Gellner Venom risk low but still serious While the copperhead is a pit viper, its venom isn't considered the most poisonous. — Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 16 May 2026

The copperhead snake is the most common and prevalent venomous snake in the state, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's website. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for copperhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead
• loggerhead

Kids Definition

copperhead

noun

cop·​per·​head ˈkäp-ər-ˌhed 

1

: a common largely coppery brown poisonous snake of the pit viper family that occurs in the eastern and central U.S.

2

: a person in the northern states who sympathized with the South during the American Civil War

Medical Definition

copperhead

noun

cop·​per·​head ˈkäp-ər-ˌhed 

1

: a pit viper (Agkistrodon contortrix) widely distributed in upland areas of the eastern and central United States that typically attains a length of three feet (0.9 meter), is coppery brown above with dark transverse blotches, and is capable of inflicting a very painful but rarely fatal bite

2

: a very venomous but sluggish Australian elapid snake (Austrelaps superbus)