boa constrictor

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noun

a snake, Constrictor (Boa) constrictor, of tropical America, noted for its large size and its ability to suffocate a prey by coiling around it.

any large snake of the boa family, as the python or anaconda.

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Origin of boa constrictor

First recorded in 1800–10

Words nearby boa constrictor

b.o., boa, boab, Boabdil, BOAC, boa constrictor, Boadicea, boak, Boanerges, boar, board

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use boa constrictor in a sentence

We usually can find saltwater-crocodile nesting sites, boa constrictors, scorpions and tarantulas.
With covid protocols, a Caribbean fly-fishing haven is back in business|Chris Santella|April 2, 2021|Washington Post
It was used to help pull a boa constrictor from pipes on the underside of a bus.
20 ingenious uses for WD-40|By Bill Heavey/Field & Stream|February 11, 2021|Popular-Science
Firefighters in Montgomery County battled two house fires early Tuesday, including one in which two dogs were rescued, a large boa constrictor was kept safe in a cage and a missing cat was found after a search.
Large snake, two dogs rescued from house fire in Silver Spring|Dana Hedgpeth|February 9, 2021|Washington Post
Aged around 85, in her long life Boa Sr witnessed the entire destruction of her people.
In Andaman Islands, Indian Court Allows Return of a ‘Human Safari’|Jonathan Mazower|March 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Ventura did have more qualifications for elected office than simply wearing a feathered boa while grappling in the wrestling ring.
15 Fun Facts About the Politics of Minnesota, Colorado, and Missouri|Ben Jacobs|February 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Most of them had picked their own clothes without a stylist, so there was a lot of boa and fringe and sparkles.
Joan Rivers Won't Shut Up (Thank God)|Jacob Bernstein|January 24, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Dorian had a unique talent for striking glamorous and artistic attitudes while clutching a live boa constrictor.
Why Drag Queens Should Handle Disaster Relief|Simon Doonan|June 4, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The shovel-headed constrictor suddenly seems all mouth, as it stretches its jaws wide.
How to Catch a Giant Python|Catharine Skipp|February 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Now indeed they would have a grand feast, for they could add the flesh of the deer and boa to what they had already obtained.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade
The rest of the party came up at this moment and helped cut away the skin of the boa.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade
Around her throat was a white feather boa, while her features were half concealed by the veil she wore.
The Doctor of Pimlico|William Le Queux
He was as successful as he was brave, and he had the great good luck to meet a tiger, a young hippopotamus, and a boa constrictor.
The Animal Story Book|Various
I said, with my imagination full of boa-constrictors big enough to entwine and crush us up.
Mass' George|George Manville Fenn

British Dictionary definitions for boa constrictor

boa constrictor

noun

a very large snake, Constrictor constrictor, of tropical America and the Caribbean, that kills its prey by constriction: family Boidae (boas)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012