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• python
  python

  noun

  any of several Old World boa constrictors of the subfamily Pythoninae, often growing to a length of more than 20 feet (6 meters): the Indian python, Python molurus, is endangered.
• Python
  Python

  noun

  a large dragon who guarded the chasm at Delphi from which prophetic vapors emerged. He was finally killed by Apollo, who established his oracle on the site.

python

¹ American  

[pahy-thon, -thuhn] / ˈpaɪ θɒn, -θən /

noun

1. any of several Old World boa constrictors of the subfamily Pythoninae, often growing to a length of more than 20 feet (6 meters): the Indian python, Python molurus, is endangered.

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python ² American  

[pahy-thon, -thuhn] / ˈpaɪ θɒn, -θən /

noun

1. a spirit or demon.

2. a person who is possessed by a spirit and prophesies by its aid.

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Python ³ American  

[pahy-thon, -thuhn] / ˈpaɪ θɒn, -θən /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. a large dragon who guarded the chasm at Delphi from which prophetic vapors emerged. He was finally killed by Apollo, who established his oracle on the site.

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Python ⁴ American  

[pahy-thon] / ˈpaɪ θɒn /

Digital Technology, Trademark.

1. an open-source, high-level programming language known for its readability and support for multiple programming styles, and, due to its many libraries, a large range of applications.

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Python ¹ British  

/ ˈpaɪθən /

noun

1. Greek myth a dragon, killed by Apollo at Delphi

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python ² British  

/ paɪˈθɒnɪk, ˈpaɪθən /

noun

1. any large nonvenomous snake of the family Pythonidae of Africa, S Asia, and Australia, such as Python reticulatus ( reticulated python ). They can reach a length of more than 20 feet and kill their prey by constriction

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• pythonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of python¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from New Latin; special use of Python ¹

Origin of python²

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Late Greek pȳ́thōn; relation to Python ¹ unclear

Origin of Python³

First recorded in 1390–1400; Middle English, from Latin Pȳthōn, from Greek Pȳ́thōn; cf. Pythian ( def. ); perhaps akin to Typhôn, a part-serpent monster

Origin of Python⁴

Coined in 1989 by Python's creator, Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum (born 1956), after the comedy troupe Monty Python

Explanation

A python is a very large, nonvenomous snake. Instead of injecting poison through their fangs, pythons kill by wrapping around and asphyxiating their prey. You certainly wouldn't want to be a python's main squeeze. A python will grab smaller animals with its sharp teeth and then use its powerful coils to constrict the prey until it stops breathing. Pythons can also eat animals larger than they are — occasionally, pythons have been known to eat antelope and deer. The word python comes from Greek mythology, in which Python was a dragon or serpent who guarded the Delphic oracle until he was eventually killed by Apollo.

Example Sentences

Jones performed in, co-wrote and directed two Monty Python films: The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Sir Michael and fellow Python Terry Gilliam will be at the unveiling of the statue overlooking Colwyn Bay beach in north Wales on Saturday.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

There’s not a textbook for empathy the way there is for Python or for bookkeeping.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

When “SNL” made its debut in 1975, its insurgent approach to comedy was influenced by British acts of the time, especially Monty Python.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

I looked down at my avatar and saw that I no longer appeared as one of the Monty Python knights.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline