cobra

noun

co·​bra ˈkō-brə 

: any of several venomous Asian and African elapid snakes (genera Naja and Ophiophagus) that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a hood by movement of the anterior ribs

also : any of several related African snakes

Examples of cobra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Poses like cat-cow and half lord of the fishes help with mobility in the spine, while poses like cobra and bridge work to strengthen the muscles in the back and core. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Share [Findings] Interviews with reptile poachers in southwestern Balochistan indicated that the Caspian cobra, the desert monitor, the Iranian mastigure, Maynard’s longnose sand snake, the Persian spider gecko, and the Tartar sand boa were being captured for use by snake charmers. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

In November, a man from Stellenbosch, South Africa, returned home to find a cape cobra coiled under a pillow on his bed. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Just last week, a man in Stellenbosch, South Africa, returned home to find a live cape cobra curled underneath a pillow in his bed. —Tabitha Parent, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese cobra (de capello), literally, hooded snake, from Latin colubra snake

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cobra

• king cobra
• spitting cobra

Kids Definition

cobra

noun

co·​bra ˈkō-brə 

: any of several poisonous Asian and African snakes that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a hood

also : any of several related African snakes

Etymology

from Portuguese cobra (de capello) "snake (with a hood)," from Latin colubra "snake"

Word Origin

During the early part of the 16th century, Portuguese traders took control of cities along India's western coast. During this period of contact, the Portuguese became familiar with some of India's animal life. One animal they noticed was a poisonous snake that could expand the skin of its neck to form a hood. The Portuguese called this snake cobra de capello, meaning "snake with a hood." The Portuguese name was first borrowed into English in the 17th century. By the 19th century the name had become shortened to cobra.

Medical Definition

cobra

noun

co·​bra ˈkō-brə 

1

: any of several very venomous Asian and African elapid snakes of the genera Naja and Ophiophagus that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a broad hood by movement of the anterior ribs see indian cobra, king cobra

2

: either of two African snakes that spit their venom from a distance:

a

: black-necked cobra

b

: ringhals

3

: mamba

Legal Definition

COBRA

abbreviation

ˈkō-brə

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 see also Employee Retirement Income Security Act