grass snake

noun

1. Also called ring snake. a common European snake, Natrix natrix, having a collar of bright orange or yellow.
2. any of various small, slender snakes of North America, as the garter snake or green snake.

grass snake

noun

1. a harmless nonvenomous European colubrid snake, Natrix natrix, having a brownish-green body with variable markings
2. any of several similar related European snakes, such as Natrix maura ( viperine grass snake )

Word History and Origins

Origin of grass snake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

It is home to a wide variety of protected species, including the great crested newt, water vole, bats, otters and grass snakes.

From BBC

Fire crews have rescued a man from a well after he became trapped whilst saving grass snakes that had fallen inside.

From BBC

His passion was sparked by his capture of a grass snake when he was 4 years old.

From Los Angeles Times

“Tell him about the time you put a grass snake in the boys’ hut.”

From Literature

The council reported sightings of adders and grass snakes, both native to the area.

From BBC