venomous

adjective

ven·om·ous ˈve-nə-məs

Synonyms of venomous

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

venomous snakes

: full of venom: such as

: poisonous, envenomed

: noxious, pernicious

… expose a venomous dope ring …—Don Porter

: spiteful, malevolent

venomous criticism

venomously adverb

venomousness noun

Examples of venomous in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Around the world, scientists are working in less stereotypical environments on unusual research projects, such as gently stepping on different parts of a venomous snake, to work out what exactly will make the animal bite a human. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Contrary to popular belief, applying ice or using a tourniquet can worsen the effects of a venomous snakebite by slowing blood flow. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 According to the popular—and scientifically baseless—myth, daddy longlegs spiders are among the most venomous spiders, but their fangs are too short to bite humans. — Melissa Petruzzello, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 But Joe never misses an opportunity to supplant her husband’s rational concerns with her imperial view of a society infected by an unseen, venomous other. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for venomous

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of venomous was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Venomous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venomous. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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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

: poisonous

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

the vipers, pit vipers, and coral snakes are venomous

venomous

adjective

Synonyms of venomous

Examples of venomous in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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