hognose snake

[ hawg-nohz, hog- ]

noun

1. any harmless North American snake of the genus Heterodon, the several species having an upturned snout and noted for flattening the head or playing dead when disturbed.

hognose snake

/ ˈhɒɡˌnəʊz /

noun

1. any North American nonvenomous colubrid snake of the genus Heterodon, having a trowel-shaped snout and inflating the body when alarmed Also calledpuff adder

Word History and Origins

Origin of hognose snake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1730–40; hog + nose

Example Sentences

Its exhibit “The Woods” includes a three-toed box turtle, a western hognose snake and marine life native to Long Island Sound.

From New York Times

The eastern hognose snake is famous for flipping over on its back and playing dead, the North Carolina State Parks and Recreation said.

From Fox News

Biologists are looking for data on several seldom-seen reptiles and amphibians, such as the Fowler’s toad, eastern hognose snake, blue-spotted salamanders and others.

From Washington Times