1
a
: a common Eurasian venomous snake (Vipera berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and is usually not fatal to humans
broadly
: any of a family (Viperidae) of venomous snakes that includes Old World snakes (subfamily Viperinae) and the pit vipers
b
: a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
2
: a vicious or treacherous person
Examples of viper in a Sentence
a viper sliding silently through the field
Recent Examples on the Web
Julian’s quest for answers will only lure him deeper into this den of vipers, but teasing out Sofia’s intentions may be the steamiest — and deadliest — game of all.
—
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024
Snake Island, where the show staged challenges, was notorious for banded sea kraits and venomous vipers; the island was also a handoff point for pirates, which meant that it was patrolled by Australian special forces.
—Emily Nussbaum, Vulture, 5 July 2024
Now the executive must deal with a reawakened evil in the most vicious pit of vipers — a Hollywood studio lot.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Oct. 2024
One of them is the Mabu bush viper (Atheris mabuensis).
—Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for viper 
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Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024
Snake Island, where the show staged challenges, was notorious for banded sea kraits and venomous vipers; the island was also a handoff point for pirates, which meant that it was patrolled by Australian special forces.
—Emily Nussbaum, Vulture, 5 July 2024
Now the executive must deal with a reawakened evil in the most vicious pit of vipers — a Hollywood studio lot.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Oct. 2024
One of them is the Mabu bush viper (Atheris mabuensis).
—Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for viper
Dictionary Entries Near viper
Cite this Entry
“Viper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viper. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
viper
noun
vi·per
ˈvī-pər 
1
: any of a family of poisonous snakes having heavy bodies, broad heads, and hollow tube-shaped fangs and including Old World snakes and the pit vipers
2
: any snake that is poisonous or that is believed to be poisonous
Medical Definition
viper
noun
vi·per
ˈvī-pər
1
: a common Eurasian venomous snake of the genus Vipera (V. berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and whose bite is usually not fatal to humans
broadly
: any snake of an Old World subfamily (Viperinae) of the family Viperidae
2
3
: a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
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