python

noun

py·​thon ˈpī-ˌthän 

-thən

: any of various large constricting snakes

especially : any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes

Illustration of python

Examples of python in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The longest python that has been caught in Florida measured 19 feet long. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Burmese pythons were habitually released into the wild by irresponsible pet owners after the exotic pet boom in the ’70s. —Krista Stevens, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024

As temperatures increase, so too does the potential range for pythons. —Victoria Malloy, TIME, 15 Oct. 2024

Jeff Lince caught five pythons, winning $2,500 in the military category, and Antonio Ramos won $1,000 for catching the longest python in this group at 9 feet 7 inches. —CBS News, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, monstrous serpent killed by Apollo, from Greek Pythōn, from Pythō Delphi

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

python

noun

py·​thon ˈpī-ˌthän 

-thən

: any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time

Etymology

named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend

Word Origin

Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century a.d. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey.