garter snake

noun

1. any of numerous harmless snakes of the genus Thamnophis, common in North and Central America, ranging in size from 14 to 30 inches (36 to 76 centimeters) and typically having three longitudinal stripes on the back.

garter snake

noun

1. any nonvenomous North American colubrid snake of the genus Thamnophis, typically marked with longitudinal stripes

Word History and Origins

Origin of garter snake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

Example Sentences

When mice invaded his house, he didn’t poison them but enlisted the help of a garter snake he found outside.

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Unfortunately, the giant garter snake is becoming a casualty of California’s brutal cycle of droughts and habitat destruction — as much of the Central Valley converts to agriculture or infrastructure development, according to the U.S.

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The Sierra garter snake told us this is not the case.

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For the first time, researchers — employing an innovative twist on the mirror test — have found evidence that garter snakes can distinguish themselves from others, using not sight but scent.

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She loved gardening and even delighted in picking up garter snakes, Huestis said.

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