rattlesnake
Americannoun
-
rattlesnakes
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of rattlesnake
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How does rattlesnake compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A rattlesnake is a long, venomous reptile with a tail that shakes, making a sound like a maraca, before it bites. When you're camping in the Arizona desert, you'll want to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes get their name from the rattle at the end of their tails that's composed of rattling pieces of keratin, the same kind of protein found in your fingernails. In order to scare off predators, rattlesnakes noisily vibrate their tails, warning that they're ready to strike. While these snakes cause most snake bites in the U.S., they only attack if they're feeling threatened, and rattlesnake bites aren't deadly if they're treated right away.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
By combining specific proteins found in rattlesnake blood, the researchers achieved unusually strong protection against venom from several dangerous snake species.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026
It could also bind to and inhibit toxins from the venoms of several other rattlesnake species.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026
I tracked her down to the high desert in the western US - rattlesnake country.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026
Experts say unseasonably warm weather patterns at the beginning of the year have driven rattlesnakes out of their winter retreats ahead of rattlesnake season in search of food and mates.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
"And you didn't even have to step on a rattlesnake," said Squid.
From "Holes" by Louis Sachar
They did not find any drugs, but vipers, rattlesnakes and other species of snakes and lizards, including iguanas, hidden in shampoo and cream bottles, plastic containers and balls of socks.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
The odds of run-ins between rattlesnakes and humans — as well as other animals — increased this year due to warmer temperatures, which encouraged outdoor activity for both serpents and humans.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
Mr. Kneale could have added to his list of creatures with which Floridians are willing to coexist: sharks, raccoons, armadillos, possums, rattlesnakes and bugs of every variety.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
A common belief that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults has been overturned by a new study from Loma Linda University.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026
On the ground were bears and mountain lions and rattlesnakes; in the treetops, an astonishing array of squirrels; and beneath the soil, one thick seam after another of coal.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
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