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
Recent Examples on the Web
There are some dangers, though, as locals report rattlesnake sightings, often right in the middle of the path.
—
Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Here’s what to know and how to stay safe in California this rattlesnake season:
When are baby rattlesnakes born?
—Tanasia Kenney, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025
The menu at 54th Street includes ribs, rattlesnake pasta, filet mignon, salmon, chicken tenders, a Reuben sandwich and more.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Suddenly, a rattlesnake appears at the lawyer’s feet.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025
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Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Here’s what to know and how to stay safe in California this rattlesnake season:
When are baby rattlesnakes born?
—Tanasia Kenney, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025
The menu at 54th Street includes ribs, rattlesnake pasta, filet mignon, salmon, chicken tenders, a Reuben sandwich and more.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Suddenly, a rattlesnake appears at the lawyer’s feet.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 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 24 Mar. 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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