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

Here’s a list of the 10 most venomous snakes that exist in the world today. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026

How to identify venomous snakes The rattlesnake is the only native venomous snake in California, according to the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated August 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026

While venomous snakes dominated the findings, other unexpected animals made the cut, including bull sharks in Maryland and Virginia, coyotes in several states and whitetail deer in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Beyond reptiles, several states face risks from insects and other venomous creatures. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 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