# asp

/ˈæsp/ (US) · /ˈæsp/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/asp
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a small, very poisonous snake found in North Africa and Europe. It is famous in history because people believe it is the snake that killed Cleopatra.

For teachers: a small venomous snake of the family Viperidae, specifically Vipera aspis or the Egyptian cobra. Often used in literary or historical contexts, particularly regarding the death of Cleopatra.

## Examples

- The ancient scroll mentioned the bite of an asp.
- In the final act of the play, the queen chooses the venom of an asp to end her life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.