Illustration of rattlesnake
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
Examples of rattlesnake in a Sentence
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In between, the looming presence of bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poison oak, as well as a runner’s ability (or inability) to follow the course add wrinkle after wrinkle to this battle of will and attrition.
—
Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
Don’t be fooled by web searches claiming the sidewinder rattlesnake is the world’s fastest snake – a misconception that’s been widely perpetuated online.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Its mascot was also changed from a conquistador to a rattlesnake.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
If you're bitten by a rattlesnake, experts say to keep the wound below the heart and call 911 immediately.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rattlesnake
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Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
Don’t be fooled by web searches claiming the sidewinder rattlesnake is the world’s fastest snake – a misconception that’s been widely perpetuated online.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Its mascot was also changed from a conquistador to a rattlesnake.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
If you're bitten by a rattlesnake, experts say to keep the wound below the heart and call 911 immediately.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rattlesnake
Cite this Entry
“Rattlesnake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattlesnake. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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