rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈra-tᵊl-ˌsnāk How to pronounce rattlesnake (audio)
Synonyms of rattlesnakenext
: any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken

Illustration of rattlesnake

Illustration of rattlesnake

Examples of rattlesnake in a Sentence

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.
Nearby, Wylie Fastpitch Softball recently warned that rattlesnakes had been spotted on the field where the team plays at Lake Kirby and around the complex. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Two Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputies raced against the clock to save a man's life after a rattlesnake bit him at a remote campsite. — Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2026 In a typical rattlesnake season, which lasts from April to October, there’s an average of 290 to 390 bites annually statewide, according to the California Poison Control System. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Anderson said the group has moved 12 rattlesnakes off its property so far in 2026. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rattlesnake

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattlesnake was in 1624

Phrases Containing rattlesnake

Rhymes for rattlesnake

See All Rhymes for rattlesnake

Browse Nearby Words

rattlertree
rattlesnake
rattlesnake-bite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rattlesnake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattlesnake. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rattlesnake

noun
rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk How to pronounce rattlesnake (audio)
: any of various poisonous American snakes with a rattle at the end of the tail

Medical Definition

rattlesnake

noun
rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk How to pronounce rattlesnake (audio)
: any of the American pit vipers that have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when vibrated and that comprise the genera Sistrurus and Crotalus see diamondback rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake

More from Merriam-Webster on rattlesnake

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rattlesnake

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rattlesnake

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