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

Anglers are the most likely Hoosiers to encounter a hellbender, and researchers encourage them to report sightings to natural resources professionals in the state, such as DNR conservation officers. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 12 Nov. 2025

Since the program began in 2012, more than 2,000 hellbenders have returned to Ohio’s rivers and creeks. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025

Wildlife officials in Ohio have announced that 116 rare and endangered eastern hellbenders were released into the state’s waterways this summer, marking an important conservation milestone for the species. —Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025

And where there are hellbenders, there’s cool, clean water. —Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 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.