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.
One of the most frequently responsible species for snakebites in the U.S., the rattlesnake's bites can be deadly if left untreated, especially for children and the elderly. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 The team is now looking to test their antivenom on animals brought to veterinary clinics for snakebites before moving to human trials. Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025 The researchers next plan to test the treatment in Australia in any dogs that are brought into veterinary clinics for snakebites. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Experts have long called for better ways to treat snakebites, which kill some 200 people a day, mainly in the developing world, and leave 400,000 people a year with disabilities. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 2 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Snakebite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/dictionary/snakebite. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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

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