python

noun

py·​thon ˈpī-ˌthän 

-thən

: any of various large constricting snakes

especially : any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes

Illustration of python

Examples of python in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, working with scientists at Stanford University and Baylor University, are studying how Burmese pythons regulate appetite after eating massive meals. —Jamie Leary, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Invasive species, like the Burmese pythons and green iguanas, wreak havoc on Florida's ecosystems. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

Riders swung into stirrups with boots fashioned from exotic skins — alligator, ostrich, python and even an Amazon River fish. —Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026

That picture is emerging from a fossil discovery near the city of Tainan in southwestern Taiwan, where scientists identified the remains of a giant python species unlike anything living on the island today. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, monstrous serpent killed by Apollo, from Greek Pythōn, from Pythō Delphi

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

python

noun

py·​thon ˈpī-ˌthän 

-thən

: any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time

Etymology

named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend

Word Origin

Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century a.d. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey.