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.
Though reluctant to draw a direct line between the recent rise in temperatures across the region and the seeming rise in snakebites, Andrew Dowd, public information officer for the Ventura County Fire Department, said warm weather typically brings out wildlife. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 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 According to Zobitz, the snakebite aesthetic at Studs involves two delicate piercings placed side by side on the ear, and clients have been asking for snakebite helix piercings to add to their earscapes. Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026 While the availability of anti-venom treatment contributes to the survival rate, the complexity observed in the study helps explain why some snakebites are much more deadly than others. New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2025 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 29 Mar. 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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