venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈve-nə-məs 

1

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

venomous snakes

2

: full of venom: such as

a

: poisonous, envenomed

b

: noxious, pernicious

… expose a venomous dope ring …

—Don Porter

c

: spiteful, malevolent

venomous criticism

venomously adverb

venomousness noun

Synonyms of venomous

• poisonous
• poisoned
• poison

Examples of venomous in a Sentence

The cobra is a venomous snake.

a venomous attack on his character

Recent Examples on the Web

The California Poison Control System also notes that rattlesnakes are venomous and their bites can be dangerous or even life-threatening, with symptoms potentially developing within minutes or hours. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

The copperhead snake is the most common and prevalent venomous snake in the state, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's website. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Cobras are known for being highly venomous, and their bite can lead to rapid respiratory failure and paralysis. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Scorpions use a specialized weapon system that balances crushing pincers and venomous stingers according to their specific hunting styles and defensive needs. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English venimous, borrowed from Anglo-French venimus, venimous, from venim venom entry 1 + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈven-ə-məs 

: having or producing venom

venomous snakes

venomously adverb

Medical Definition

venomous

adjective

ven·​om·​ous ˈven-ə-məs 

1

: poisonous

2

: producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death

the vipers, pit vipers, and coral snakes are venomous