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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 8,000 people annually are bitten by venomous snakes, with fewer than 10 deaths. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026

Males carry venomous spurs on their hind legs. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026

Males carry venomous spurs on their hind legs, and the animal can sense electrical signals underwater to hunt prey. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Adventurous diners can also try the restaurant’s infamous snake and scorpion shots, which feature tequila infused with one (or both) of the venomous creatures—don't worry, they're said to carry folkloric medicinal properties. —Latifah Al Hazza, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 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