water snake

noun

1. any of numerous and widely distributed harmless snakes of the genus Natrix, inhabiting areas in or near fresh water.
2. any of various other snakes living in or frequenting water.
3. Water Snake, Astronomy. the constellation Hydrus.

water snake

noun

1. any of various colubrid snakes that live in or near water, esp any of numerous harmless North American snakes of the genus Natrix, such as N. sipedon

Word History and Origins

Origin of water snake¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Anaconda, an-a-kon′da, n. a large South American water-snake of the Python family, closely related to the boa-constrictor.

From Project Gutenberg

After all, I ought to have scotched the rusty, red-bellied water-snake leering at me now.

From Project Gutenberg

His mother said the great worm was a water-snake, and she told Erastus snake-stories which gave him bad dreams.

From Project Gutenberg

He frightened ugly Gundaschees, the water-snake, from his sunny log at the edge of the river.

From Project Gutenberg

He invited the youth to ride with him and offered him a horse which turned out to be a large water snake.

From Project Gutenberg