Illustration of python
: any of various large constricting snakes
especially
: any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes
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Reflecting the pervasive textural rtw trends were more tactile luxe materials; patent, python, and eel skin in particular.
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Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
Tennessee police are currently looking for four people who allegedly robbed a convenience store while wielding pythons.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Loading your audio article A Georgia man who blew up a woman’s home and planned to sic a python on her child will spend 20 years in federal prison.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
The largest python captured measured more than 19 feet long.
—Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
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Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
Tennessee police are currently looking for four people who allegedly robbed a convenience store while wielding pythons.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Loading your audio article A Georgia man who blew up a woman’s home and planned to sic a python on her child will spend 20 years in federal prison.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
The largest python captured measured more than 19 feet long.
—Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for python
Cite this Entry
“Python.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/python. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
python
noun
py·thon
ˈpī-ˌthän 
-thən
: any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time
Etymology
named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend
Word Origin
Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century a.d. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey.
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