hognose snake

noun

: any of a genus (Heterodon) of rather small harmless stout-bodied North American colubrid snakes with keeled scales and an upturned snout that seldom bite but hiss wildly and often play dead when disturbed

called also hog-nosed snake, puff adder

Examples of hognose snake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other examples of death feigning critters include hognose snakes, the Virginia opossums, and brown widow spiders. Harri Weber, Popular Science, 8 May 2024 A number of other species are benefiting from the growth of lupine and other plants in the area, including rare moths, butterflies, native bees, and reptiles such as the Eastern hognose snake and Eastern box turtle, officials said. Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, 6 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hognose snake was in 1737

Dictionary Entries Near hognose snake

Cite this Entry

“Hognose snake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hognose%20snake. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

hognose snake

noun
: any of several rather small harmless North American snakes that have stout bodies and hiss when disturbed

called also hog-nosed snake\ -​ˌnōzd-​ \, puff adder

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