boa

[boh-uh]

noun

plural

boas 

1. any of several nonvenomous, chiefly tropical constrictors of the family Boidae, having vestigial hind limbs at the base of the tail.

2. a scarf or stole of feathers, fur, or fabric.

boa

/ ˈbəʊə /

noun

1. any large nonvenomous snake of the family Boidae , most of which occur in Central and South America and the Caribbean. They have vestigial hind limbs and kill their prey by constriction

2. a woman's long thin scarf, usually of feathers or fur

Word History and Origins

Origin of boa¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: water adder

Word History and Origins

Origin of boa¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin: a large Italian snake, water snake

Example Sentences

We went out back and put boas on and we had our moment.

From Los Angeles Times

English Heritage said his "iconic look, featuring sequins, feather boas, and platform boots" defined Glam Rock's aesthetic and "challenged traditional notions of masculinity".

From BBC

Dame Karen stood out in the largely male and often stale world of Washington in her colourful tailor-made suits, occasionally complemented with a feather boa.

From BBC

"Each test is specific to a different snake species and was designed to detect DNA from the Burmese python, northern African rock python, rainbow boa and boa constrictor, ensuring no cross-detection among species."

From Science Daily

Break out your rainbow boas and glittering tiaras and sashay your way to this can’t-miss show.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bandanna 
• shawl 
• stole