venomous

adjective

ven·om·ous | \ ˈve-nə-məs

Definition of venomous

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

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Examples of venomous in a Sentence

The cobra is a venomous snake. a venomous attack on his character

Recent Examples on the Web

The copperhead is the most common of the three venomous snakes known to inhabit the state, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. — Fox News, "Pennsylvania woman bitten by venomous snake while doing laundry," 19 June 2019 The non-venomous snake measured about a foot long and a quarter-inch in diameter, officials said. — USA TODAY, "Retired monkeys, freeze-dried blood, ‘Hidden Figures Way’: News from around our 50 states," 14 June 2019 Giant water bugs are voracious predators that take down everything from ducklings to venomous snakes, according to a new study that brings together decades of research on the aquatic insects. — National Geographic, "Giant water bugs eat turtles, ducklings, and even snakes," 3 Apr. 2019 Though some stonefish are venomous, the saber is not. — Aj Willingham, CNN, "Stonefish are already scary, and now scientists have found they have switchblades in their heads," 12 Apr. 2018 In 2006, with Ward Wheeler, Smith found that more than 1200 species of fish are venomous, compared to previous estimates of 200. — Troy Farah, Smithsonian, "Why Did a Venomous Fish Evolve a Glowing Eye Spike?," 29 Mar. 2018 Their natural defense against predators is the venomous spine on their tails. — Cassie Armstrong, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Two stingray pups born at Brevard Zoo," 18 May 2018 The fish, which ambushes prey from the sea floor, also sports venomous spines and an electric shock. — Matt Simon, WIRED, "Why These Bumblebees Are Wearing Itty-Bitty QR Codes," 3 Apr. 2018 Lenù's opportunity to go to continue to middle school sets her parents—prideful, stern Vittorio and venomous, impatient Immacolata—against each other in one of many screaming matches over their daughter's future, behavior, and comportment. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "In My Brilliant Friend, Education Offers a Dangerous Escape from Poverty," 20 Nov. 2018

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