venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈve-nə-məs 

1

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

venomous snakes

2

: full of venom: such as

a

: poisonous, envenomed

b

: noxious, pernicious

… expose a venomous dope ring …

—Don Porter

c

: spiteful, malevolent

venomous criticism

venomously adverb

venomousness noun

Synonyms of venomous

• poisonous
• poisoned
• poison

Examples of venomous in a Sentence

The cobra is a venomous snake.

a venomous attack on his character

Recent Examples on the Web

The exhibit is in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science and explores the hidden dangers of the natural world, such as poisonous, venomous, or toxic plants and animals. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026

Harry's book 'Spare' was especially venomous toward the family and caused a lot of hurt. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

Team representative Ruth Pintner has since told the Charlotte Observer in an email that the snake was not a copperhead but a non-venomous water snake. — Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

In regions where venomous snakes are common, Amarello recommends training your dog to avoid snakes. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English venimous, borrowed from Anglo-French venimus, venimous, from venim venom entry 1 + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈven-ə-məs 

: having or producing venom

venomous snakes

venomously adverb

Medical Definition

venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈven-ə-məs 

1

: poisonous

2

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

the vipers, pit vipers, and coral snakes are venomous