1
: a toxic substance produced by some animals (such as snakes, scorpions, or bees) that is injected into prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging and has an injurious or lethal effect
broadly
: a substance that is poisonous
2
: a spiteful malicious feeling or state of mind : extreme ill will : malevolence
Synonyms
Examples of venom in a Sentence
Noun
She spoke of him with venom in her voice.
He spewed venom against his rival.
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024
Unlike a snake, which injects venom through hollow fangs, the gila monster’s venom flows through large grooved lower teeth.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024
Far too many horror movies, even great ones, are a bit too forthcoming with the answers to their mysteries — and simultaneously withholding of their venom — to achieve what the genre is truly capable of.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024
As Smithsonian reported, antivenom can be complicated to produce, as a donor animal must be injected with the venom — and then their antibodies harvested to make the treatment.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for venom 
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Noun
Do not pinch or squeeze the stinger because this could cause more venom to be released.7
Similarities
Anaphylaxis is a form of allergic reaction, and both conditions have similar causes.
—Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024
Unlike a snake, which injects venom through hollow fangs, the gila monster’s venom flows through large grooved lower teeth.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024
Far too many horror movies, even great ones, are a bit too forthcoming with the answers to their mysteries — and simultaneously withholding of their venom — to achieve what the genre is truly capable of.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024
As Smithsonian reported, antivenom can be complicated to produce, as a donor animal must be injected with the venom — and then their antibodies harvested to make the treatment.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for venom
Dictionary Entries Near venom
Cite this Entry
“Venom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venom. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
venom
noun
ven·om
ˈven-əm 
: a toxic substance produced by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) that is injected into prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging and has an injurious or lethal effect
broadly
: a substance that is poisonous
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