king cobra

noun

: a large cobra (Ophiophagus hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

Illustration of king cobra

Examples of king cobra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The therapy protects mice against the venoms of 19 species of deadly snake, including the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). —Katherine Bourzac, Scientific American, 7 May 2025

In mouse trials, the antidote was found to be protective against venom from the black mamba, king cobra, coral snakes and tiger snakes, among others. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025

New research published in Cell discusses the first use of human antibodies to help create an antivenom that can be effective against multiple species of venomous snakes, including black mamba, king cobra, and tiger snakes. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

But that’s hardly the most surprising thing about the king cobra. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

king cobra

noun

: a large very poisonous snake of southeastern Asia and the Philippines

Medical Definition

king cobra

noun

king co·​bra ˈkiŋ-ˈkō-brə 

: a large and very venomous cobra of the genus Ophiophagus (O. hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

called also hamadryad