cottonmouth

noun

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

Examples of cottonmouth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Common venomous snakes in the state include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes, with rattlesnakes being the most common. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026 Venomous snakes—including the timber rattlesnake, the copperhead, and the cottonmouth—all make this area their home. Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026 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 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 30 Mar. 2026.

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)

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