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

It is believed that this snake preyed on large vertebrates, such as crocodiles, and used constriction to overpower its prey, similar to modern-day anacondas. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Brewer goes on to explain that Burmese pythons are the third largest snake behind reticulated pythons, which are the longest, and anacondas, which are the heaviest. —Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025

During the low-water season from June to October, when aquatic life is more concentrated, spotting manatees, caimans, and anacondas are easier. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

This year’s Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City, by the way — where Rudd’s presence is guaranteed barring any unfortunate anaconda accidents — is set for May 30-31. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Sinhalese henakandayā, a slender green snake

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anaconda

• honda

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