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)

Illustration of king cobra

Examples of king cobra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to National Geographic, king cobras are found throughout Southeast Asia's rainforests and can deliver a bite with enough deadly venom to kill 20 people. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

After a crash-course with the masters, Blaine attempts a few stunts on his own — including covering himself in scorpions, inserting a knife up one nostril and kissing a king cobra on its head. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025

An attention-seeking king cobra interrupted a Thai man's TV time. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

While king cobras may not make great pets, a lot of non-venomous snakes do. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

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