python

noun

py·​thon ˈpī-ˌthän How to pronounce python (audio)
-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

Illustration of python

Examples of python in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The reticulated python is the world’s longest snake, with individuals recorded reaching over 30 feet in length. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 Dennis Krum, a novice, caught the longest python at 9 feet, 11 inches, winning $1,000. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 The reticulated python is the largest snake found in Thailand and usually ranges in size from 5 to 21 feet, weighing up to about 165 pounds. Jintamas Saksornchai and David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 Per reports, the python was 13 feet long and weighed more than 45 lbs. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for python 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'python.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of python was circa 1825

Dictionary Entries Near python

Cite this Entry

“Python.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/python. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

python

noun
py·​thon ˈpī-ˌthän How to pronounce python (audio)
-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.

More from Merriam-Webster on python

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