fox snake

American

noun

a brown-blotched nonvenomous snake, Elaphe vulpina, of north-central U.S., that vibrates its tail and emits a pungent odor when disturbed.

Etymology

Origin of fox snake

First recorded in 1855–60; apparently so called from its reddish color

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

fox snake

The third book in the series, which was announced in April last year, will see the return of the fox, snake, owl and of course, the courageous mouse.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

“Meet Karen,” she said to the fox snake.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023