garter snake

American  

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.

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garter snake British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of garter snake

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.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

The decision led not only to new habitat for the area’s endangered garter snake and threatened red-legged frog, but also a bike path alongside the creek for humans to enjoy.

From Slate • May 26, 2025

The work, Davy says, “has revealed a whole new side to garter snake sociality.”

From Science Magazine • Dec. 15, 2023

“Say listen, I think Alice’s pet garter snake has come to pay us a visit,” Tansy said.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck