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.

For a serpent thus situated, will coil himself up, and instantaneously darting forward his head, strike and bite whatever comes in his way.

From Letters on the Nicobar islands, their natural productions, and the manners, customs, and superstitions of the natives with an account of an attempt made by the Church of the United Brethren, to convert them to Christianity by Latrobe, Christian Ignatius

As the beetle crawls round and round, it will coil the thread about the nail, thus shortening its tether and drawing nearer to the centre at every circuit.

From The Golden Bough by Frazer, James George, Sir

"Tom, if that monster should begin to slip a little most likely he will coil his tail around some of our control wires,—and then what?"

From Around the World in Ten Days by Fraser, Chelsea Curtis

If gently tapped on the head with a stick, it will coil itself up and lie still, only raising its tail and rattling.

From Darwinism (1889) by Wallace, Alfred Russel

The toad will croak his requiem, and the viper will coil beneath the thistle growing over his head.

From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital by Jones, John Beauchamp