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

Of the 14 snakes native to the state, the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake are the only two venomous species, according to Annicelli. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026

Momsen, 32, revealed a venomous spider bite landed her in the hospital while touring in Mexico City. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Momsen, 32, was bitten by a venomous spider while traveling with AC/DC for their Power Up tour in Mexico. —Ryan Brennan april 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026

Taylor Momsen Was Bitten by a ‘Massive Spider’ Momsen, 32, was bitten by a venomous spider while traveling with AC/DC for their Power Up tour in Mexico. —Ryan Brennan april 15, Miami Herald, 15 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