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

For example, Gros says copperheads are widespread through much of the eastern South, while cottonmouths are found primarily in the Southeast, often around water. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

The western diamondback copperhead is the biggest and most dangerous venomous snake in Oklahoma, with adults ranging between 30 and 72 inches. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 21 Sep. 2026

There are three subspecies of copperheads in Texas, and their patterns vary. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

To protect a specific area, such as a garden, Parker recommends properly installing snake fencing made from quarter-inch hardware cloth, which can help keep even newborn copperheads from squeezing through. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 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)