# boa

/ˈboʊə/ (US) · /bˈəʊɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boa
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a snake

noun · CEFR B2

a large snake that kills animals by wrapping its body around them and squeezing.

For teachers: any of several large, non-venomous snakes of the family Boidae that kill prey by constriction.

- The zoo has a massive boa that eats small mammals once a week.
- The researcher observed the boa as it remained motionless in the undergrowth, waiting for a suitable moment to strike at its prey.

## Examples

- The performer wore a bright pink feather boa around her neck.
- During the jungle expedition, the guide pointed out a large boa resting on a low tree branch.
- The actress made a dramatic entrance draped in a vintage silk gown and a voluminous ostrich feather boa that trailed behind her on the red carpet.

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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.