rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈra-tᵊl-ˌsnāk 

: any of several American pit vipers (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus) that have horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when shaken

Illustration of rattlesnake

Examples of rattlesnake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Subsequent analysis of the venom trove revealed that the islands with more competition and space were home to more specialized rattlesnake toxins. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2025

Unfortunately for him, this also includes rattlesnakes, who aren't necessarily known for being so warm and welcoming. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

The bites cause only five deaths a year, but long term injuries are much more likely, with 10-44 percent of victims bitten by rattlesnakes experiencing lasting injuries, such as the loss of a finger. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025

Biker Jim’s, an eclectic eatery with rattlesnake and elk hot dogs, closed late last year. —Matthew Geiger, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rattlesnake

• diamondback rattlesnake
• rattlesnake master
• rattlesnake plantain
• rattlesnake root
• rattlesnake weed
• timber rattlesnake

Rhymes for rattlesnake

• overtake
• shiitake
• undertake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

Kids Definition

rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk 

: any of various poisonous American snakes with a rattle at the end of the tail

Medical Definition

rattlesnake

noun

rat·​tle·​snake ˈrat-ᵊl-ˌsnāk 

: any of the American pit vipers that have a series of horny interlocking joints at the end of the tail which make a sharp rattling sound when vibrated and that comprise the genera Sistrurus and Crotalus see diamondback rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake