garter snake

noun

: any of a genus (Thamnophis) of harmless viviparous American snakes with longitudinal stripes on the back

Illustration of garter snake

Examples of garter snake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That includes efforts involving species such as Swainson’s hawks, burrowing owls, giant garter snakes, salmon, frogs and vernal pool shrimp, as well as the creation of a connected reserve system. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

The main barn had collapsed, the lodge reeked of pack rats, garter snakes had claimed another building, and one of the cabins was leaning downhill. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

Same-sex behavior has by now been observed in species as varied as field crickets, Humboldt squids, garter snakes, and Japanese macaques. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

In September, the garter snakes begin to return to the dens and stay above ground until the weather gets too cool for them. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for garter snake

• overtake
• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• undertake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik

Kids Definition

garter snake

noun

: any of numerous harmless American snakes with stripes along the back