anaconda

noun

an·​a·​con·​da ˌa-nə-ˈkän-də 

: a large semiaquatic constricting snake (Eunectes murinus) of the boa family of tropical South America that may reach a length of 30 feet (9.1 meters)

broadly : any of the large constricting snakes

Illustration of anaconda

Examples of anaconda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Embarking on its maiden voyage in June 2025 from the hub of Iquitos, Pure Amazon, a sleek 22-guest riverboat from luxury travel operator Abercrombie & Kent, promises views of caimans, sloths, and massive anacondas through panoramic wall-to-wall windows and immersive excursions. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024

Pereira will play a character called The Butcher, and bring his set of skills – including anaconda chokes and roundhouse kicks – to his meaty role. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024

Pereira will play a character called The Butcher, and bring his set of skills to the role — including anaconda chokes and roundhouse kicks. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024

The original 1997 thriller starred Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Owen Wilson and Ice Cube and followed a National Geographic-esque film crew that is taken hostage by an insane hunter, who forces them along on his quest to capture the world’s largest and deadliest snake, an anaconda. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Sinhalese henakandayā, a slender green snake

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

anaconda

noun

an·​a·​con·​da ˌan-ə-ˈkän-də 

: a large South American snake that crushes its prey in its coils

also : any large snake that crushes its prey like an anaconda

Geographical Definition

Anaconda

geographical name

An·​a·​con·​da ˌa-nə-ˈkän-də 

city in southwestern Montana that grew rapidly following the building of a copper-smelting plant in 1884 and expanded to contain one of the largest nonferrous production plants in the world population 9298