bullsnake

or bull snake

[ bool-sneyk ]

noun

1. any of several large North American constrictors of the genus Pituophis, as the gopher snake and pine snake, that feed chiefly upon small rodents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bullsnake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; bull ¹ + snake

Example Sentences

Fortune said he’d seen plenty of cottonmouth snakes and rattlesnakes in Texas, and he’d once come across a 5-foot bullsnake.

From Washington Post

The bullsnake, prevalent in the American Southwest, is not venomous.

From Washington Times

A 6-foot bullsnake gave a Minnesota family a startling wake-up call when they discovered the slithering intruder in their bathtub early Monday, officials said.

From Fox News

E. H. Taylor told me that he once saw a bullsnake swallow an entire clutch of newly laid eggs before the female turtle could cover the nest.

From Project Gutenberg

Willie Salas casually pocketed a three-foot bullsnake which was sunning itself on the running board of a parked car, announced to popeyed spectators: "I've got mice in my cellar."

From Time Magazine Archive