snakebite

noun

snake·​bite ˈsnāk-ˌbīt How to pronounce snakebite (audio)
: the bite of a snake and especially a venomous snake

Examples of snakebite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Varespladib is a rescue treatment for snakebites that works by neutralizing a key toxin in 95% of snake species, according to the company. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Although copperheads are responsible for the most snakebites in the United States, rattlesnakes pose a greater risk of injury to humans because of their venom. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 11 Mar. 2026 According to Zobitz, the snakebite aesthetic at Studs involves two delicate piercings placed side by side on the ear, and clients have been asking for snakebite helix piercings to add to their earscapes. Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026 Their findings suggest that broader protection against elapid snakebites using fewer ingredients is on the horizon, contradicting the popular theory that the best antivenoms require large (and costly) amounts of antibodies. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snakebite

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snakebite was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snakebite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snakebite. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

snakebite

noun
snake·​bite -ˌbīt How to pronounce snakebite (audio)
: the bite of a snake and especially a poisonous snake

Medical Definition

snakebite

noun
snake·​bite -ˌbīt How to pronounce snakebite (audio)
: the bite of a snake
also : the condition resulting from the bite of a venomous snake and characterized by variable symptoms (as pain and swelling at the puncture site, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, or internal bleeding)

More from Merriam-Webster on snakebite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster