snakebite

noun

snake·​bite ˈsnāk-ˌbīt How to pronounce snakebite (audio)
: the bite of a snake and especially a venomous snake

Examples of snakebite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Burns also took the opportunity to stress the importance of getting medical care for snakebites. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 According to the World Health Organization, around 81,000 to 138,000 people die globally each year from snakebites, while about three times that amount lead to amputations and other permanent disabilities. Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026 The longer-term goal is to help save some of the roughly 81,000 people who die annually around the world from snakebites, according to the FDA. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Although copperheads are responsible for the most snakebites in the United States, rattlesnakes pose a greater risk of injury to humans because of their venom. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snakebite

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snakebite was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Snakebite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snakebite. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

snakebite

noun
snake·​bite -ˌbīt How to pronounce snakebite (audio)
: the bite of a snake and especially a poisonous snake

Medical Definition

snakebite

noun
snake·​bite -ˌbīt How to pronounce snakebite (audio)
: the bite of a snake
also : the condition resulting from the bite of a venomous snake and characterized by variable symptoms (as pain and swelling at the puncture site, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, or internal bleeding)

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