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

Scientists are still trying to understand the dynamics between invasive Burmese pythons and native predator species in the Everglades. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2025

Wildlife trapper Mike Kimmel, aka the Python Cowboy, has used dogs trained to track hogs and pythons to also locate the lizards. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025

Starting in August 1943, zoo staff shot, electrocuted, stabbed and strangled more than 20 animals, including a polar bear, an American bison, a python and a leopard cub. —John M. Kinder, The Conversation, 1 May 2025

But here’s the twist: Boas and pythons didn’t inherit this ability from a common ancestor. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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.