-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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)
Examples of king cobra in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The world’s largest venomous snake is the king cobra — and while the royal court of snakes doesn’t include the existence of a queen cobra, Megan Thee Stallion is stepping into that role herself.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for king cobra
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near king cobra
Cite this Entry
“King cobra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king%20cobra. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on king cobra
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for king cobra
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about king cobra
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share