king cobra

noun

: a large cobra (Ophiophagus hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

Illustration of king cobra

Examples of king cobra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Black mambas can stretch to 14 feet, and the longest king cobra ever recorded was 19 feet. —Brian Otieno, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025

The antibody, however, did not save mice from king cobra venom. —Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024

Researchers have created a powerful synthetic antibody that counteracts the deadly venom produced by snakes in the Elapidae family—which includes the black mamba, king cobra and kraits. —Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024

Large and impressive Asian reptiles here include king cobras, Tomistoma crocodiles and reticulated pythons. —Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

king cobra

noun

: a large very poisonous snake of southeastern Asia and the Philippines

Medical Definition

king cobra

noun

king co·​bra ˈkiŋ-ˈkō-brə 

: a large and very venomous cobra of the genus Ophiophagus (O. hannah synonym Naja hannah) of southeastern Asia and the Philippines that may attain a length of 18 feet (5.5 meters)

called also hamadryad