king snake

American  

Or kingsnake

noun

1. any of several New World constrictors of the genus Lampropeltis, that often feed on other snakes.

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king snake British  

noun

1. any nonvenomous North American colubrid snake of the genus Lampropeltis, feeding on other snakes, small mammals, etc

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Etymology

Origin of king snake

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10; king + snake

Compare meaning

How does king-snake compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• king snake vs. milk snake
• king snake vs. king cobra

Example Sentences

“Lungers,” such as king snakes, attack an animal straight on and less quickly, piercing it with both their top and bottom teeth at the same time.

From Science Magazine

Some snakes, such as boa constrictors, had long, slender upright teeth, whereas others, such as king snakes, had shorter, stouter, and more curved ones.

From Science Magazine

It was a king snake, harmless and very handy at devouring insects.”

From Washington Post

"I held a snake at the @VMAs one time but decided to go ahead 20 years later and become the motherf**king snake myself!!!!" she captioned the post.

From Salon

Only a solid black mask that glittered under the midway lights like the scales on a king snake.

From New York Times