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
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
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
They are known as some of the most dangerous animals in the sea due to their extremely powerful venom, and several people in Australia have died after being bitten by one, according to the Australian Museum.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Their venom is called neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, or TTX, and is created by bacteria that live in a symbiotic relationship with the octopuses.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
Ending esters The reaction the research team worked on (involving some of the same people who designed snake venom inhibitors) is the breakdown of what's called an ester bond.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for venom
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Noun
Its identity can help ensure correct venom is prescribed.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
They are known as some of the most dangerous animals in the sea due to their extremely powerful venom, and several people in Australia have died after being bitten by one, according to the Australian Museum.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Their venom is called neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, or TTX, and is created by bacteria that live in a symbiotic relationship with the octopuses.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
Ending esters The reaction the research team worked on (involving some of the same people who designed snake venom inhibitors) is the breakdown of what's called an ester bond.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for venom
Cite this Entry
“Venom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venom. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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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