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.
Tennessee's other venomous snakes are copperheads and cottonmouths. Kirsten Fiscus, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 But native predators may be starting to fight back, according to researchers who have documented cases of alligators, cottonmouth snakes and bobcats killing Burmese pythons. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025 The most common venomous snakes across the Metroplex are cottonmouths, copperheads and the western diamond rattlesnake, Kennedy said. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2025 Note that all pit vipers — cottonmouths, copperheads and rattlesnakes — require the same antivenom, and most hospitals have a good supply on hand. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cottonmouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cottonmouth. Accessed 21 Aug. 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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