boa constrictor

American  

noun

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

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

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boa constrictor British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of boa constrictor

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The list of non-mammalian animals that made their way from south to north includes a boa constrictor, a crocodile and frogs.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2024

“Dominant teams,” Cronin said, “they can really snuff you out like a boa constrictor and then you just go get a layup, which we were able to do tonight.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2024

“They are truly like a boa constrictor, and they do not beat themselves.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2023

A five-foot long boa constrictor has been found slithering through a park in south-west London.

From BBC • May 25, 2023

“I can’t prove who the snake belonged to,” Mr. Crabtree said, “and even if I could, why would I? It wasn’t a boa constrictor, you know, and it was dead to begin with.”

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson