cottonmouth

noun

cot·​ton·​mouth ˈkä-tᵊn-ˌmau̇th How to pronounce cottonmouth (audio)

Examples of cottonmouth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These are one of four venomous snakes found in Texas alongside rattlesnakes, cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins) and coral snakes. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025 By far the most common species, which accounts for over 90 percent of all sightings, is the venomous northern cottonmouth. Owen Clarke, Outside, 19 Sep. 2025 Tennessee's most venomous snake is the cottonmouth, or water moccasin. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025 The University of Kentucky says the main types of venomous snakes found in the commonwealth are copperheads, pigmy rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes and western cottonmouths. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cottonmouth

Word History

Etymology

from the white interior of its mouth

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cottonmouth was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Cottonmouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cottonmouth. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cottonmouth

noun
cot·​ton·​mouth ˈkät-ᵊn-ˌmau̇th How to pronounce cottonmouth (audio)

Medical Definition

cottonmouth

noun
cot·​ton·​mouth ˈkät-ᵊn-ˌmau̇th How to pronounce cottonmouth (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on cottonmouth

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