# cobra

/ˈkoʊbɹə/ (US) · /kˈəʊbɹɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cobra
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the snake

noun · CEFR B1

a large, poisonous snake that can make its neck look wide and flat like a hood when it is angry or scared.

For teachers: any of several venomous elapid snakes, especially of the genus Naja, characterised by the ability to expand the neck ribs into a hood.

- The cobra stood tall and hissed at the hikers who got too close.
- The king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, capable of delivering enough neurotoxin to kill an elephant with a single bite.

## Examples

- The cobra raised its head and spread its hood.
- Tourists watched the cobra perform in the street show, staying well back from its striking range.
- The king cobra, distinct from other cobras in its genus, is the world's longest venomous snake and feeds primarily on other snakes.

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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.