cobra

noun

co·​bra ˈkō-brə 

: any of several venomous Asian and African elapid snakes (genera Naja and Ophiophagus) that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a hood by movement of the anterior ribs

also : any of several related African snakes

Examples of cobra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

King cobras are formidable predators, and a healthy respect for their killing potential is valid. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Black desert cobras can be between 3 and 4 feet long and are active night hunters, according to Britannica. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

It is rightfully considered one of the single most dangerous gigs on the planet (next to firefighters, cobra tamers, and being a taste-tester at an Arby’s). —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025

The smoothed limestone blocks and cobra frieze already found at the site may be hiding such an entrance. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese cobra (de capello), literally, hooded snake, from Latin colubra snake

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cobra

• king cobra
• spitting cobra

Kids Definition

cobra

noun

co·​bra ˈkō-brə 

: any of several poisonous Asian and African snakes that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a hood

also : any of several related African snakes

Etymology

from Portuguese cobra (de capello) "snake (with a hood)," from Latin colubra "snake"

Word Origin

During the early part of the 16th century, Portuguese traders took control of cities along India's western coast. During this period of contact, the Portuguese became familiar with some of India's animal life. One animal they noticed was a poisonous snake that could expand the skin of its neck to form a hood. The Portuguese called this snake cobra de capello, meaning "snake with a hood." The Portuguese name was first borrowed into English in the 17th century. By the 19th century the name had become shortened to cobra.

Medical Definition

cobra

noun

co·​bra ˈkō-brə 

1

: any of several very venomous Asian and African elapid snakes of the genera Naja and Ophiophagus that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a broad hood by movement of the anterior ribs see indian cobra, king cobra

2

: either of two African snakes that spit their venom from a distance:

a

: black-necked cobra

b

: ringhals

3

: mamba

Legal Definition

COBRA

abbreviation

ˈkō-brə

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 see also Employee Retirement Income Security Act