rattlesnake

noun

rat·tle·snake | \ ˈra-tᵊl-ˌsnāk

Definition of rattlesnake

: any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken

Examples of rattlesnake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While many might spot the rattlesnake after a brief inspection, the image reveals how adept rattlesnakes are at blending into their surroundings. — Pete Thomas, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2021 The rattlesnake can sense—perhaps see—the body heat of its mammalian prey. — Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2021 Akron man gets 15 years in prison on weapons violations Read more North Ridgeville police deal with a rattlesnake ... — Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 28 Sep. 2021 Corbitt tricked the look out with purple silk lining and a rattlesnake skin headband. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 22 Nov. 2021 Cary knelt to pick it up and saw the thick gray-green mottled curl of a rattlesnake. — Thomas Mcguane, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2021 Although Roarke kept saying no, Rip walked closer, insisting, and then opened it, tossing the contents — a rattlesnake — at Roarke. — Danielle Turchiano, Variety, 7 Nov. 2021 Tyrus Brockie, the junior field technician, wore gaiters over his boots to protect against rattlesnake bites. — Kylie Mohr, Wired, 23 Oct. 2021 But California wildlife officials note that severe injuries and fatalities from rattlesnake bites are rare. — Kellie Hwang, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Oct. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rattlesnake.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

3 Jan 2022

Cite this Entry

“Rattlesnake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattlesnake. Accessed 26 Jan. 2022.

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More Definitions for rattlesnake

rattlesnake

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rattlesnake

: a poisonous American snake with a group of hard, loose pieces (called scales) at the end of its tail that it shakes to make a noise

See the full definition for rattlesnake in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rattlesnake

noun

rat·tle·snake | \ ˈra-tᵊl-ˌsnāk

Kids Definition of rattlesnake

: a poisonous American snake with a rattle at the end of its tail

rattlesnake

noun

rat·tle·snake | \ ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk

Medical Definition of rattlesnake

: any of the American pit vipers that have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when vibrated and that comprise the genera Sistrurus and Crotalus — see diamondback rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake