rattlesnake

[ rat-l-sneyk ]

noun

1. any of several New World pit vipers of the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, having a rattle composed of a series of horny, interlocking elements at the end of the tail.

rattlesnake

/ ˈrætəlˌsneɪk /

noun

1. any of the venomous New World snakes constituting the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus , such as C. horridus ( black or timber rattlesnake ): family Crotalidae (pit vipers). They have a series of loose horny segments on the tail that are vibrated to produce a buzzing or whirring sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattlesnake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1620–30; rattle ¹ + snake

Example Sentences

A majority no longer have a standard of decency for a presidential candidate — or if they do, it’s lower than a rattlesnake.

From Los Angeles Times

I waited with several other hikers before progressing, only to be stopped at the next switchback by an angry rattlesnake, mid-trail, tail in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

With golden eyes, velvet voice and smooth gait, Pierre is like a puma prowling across the screen, but ultimately his character’s temperament is much more like a rattlesnake — coiled and ready to strike when threatened.

From Los Angeles Times

Because they have dogs and kids, Oder and Miller had a 3-foot-deep rattlesnake fence installed around the property’s perimeter.

From Los Angeles Times

We covered about 150 miles in all, crossing creeks, dodging rattlesnakes and poison ivy, climbing up and around switchbacks.

From Los Angeles Times