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

Although deputies didn't specify what species of snake fatally bit the woman, rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes native to California, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. —Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

Huntersville Animal Services officers caught and removed snakes in and around two homes on the same day this week, including a venomous copperhead. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

Types of venomous snakes in California Rattlesnakes are the only native venomous serpent in the state, according to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

The venomous saliva is pumped into a victim through a channel in the wheel bug’s beak. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 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