hellbender

noun

hell·​ben·​der ˈhel-ˌben-dər 

: a large aquatic usually brownish-gray salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) of streams of the eastern and central U.S.

Illustration of hellbender

Examples of hellbender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Conservationists scooped 17 wriggling hellbenders out of their tanks in Tennessee and took them on a journey to release the largest salamanders in North America back into the wild. —Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025

From hellbenders and invasive plant removals to waterfall hikes and paddling adventures, there’s plenty to do this weekend and beyond for adventurous Hoosiers of all ages and experience levels. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 7 June 2024

And aside from these colossal creatures, The Wilds also plays a crucial role in North American wildlife conservation, with projects ranging from an American burying beetle breeding program to an initiative dedicated to rearing eastern hellbender salamanders. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Meanwhile, the hellbender salamander can reach 29 inches long. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hellbender

• bartender
• contender
• defender
• engender
• extender
• offender
• pretender
• provender
• surrender
• suspender
• transgender
• bender

Kids Definition

hellbender

noun

hell·​ben·​der ˈhel-ˌben-dər 

: a large water-dwelling salamander of streams of the eastern and central U.S.