Word
mamba
Phoneticsmam·ba, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɑmbə/
UK/mˈæmbɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a long, very poisonous snake that lives in Africa. The black mamba and the green mamba are the best-known types, and their bite can be deadly without quick treatment.
n. a highly venomous elapid snake of the genus Dendroaspis, native to sub-Saharan Africa. Includes the black mamba and several green species, noted for speed, arboreal agility, and potent neurotoxic venom.
Examples
“The mamba moves fast through the tall grass.”
“The guide warned us to stay back because a black mamba hunts near the trail.”
“At dusk the green mamba lay motionless among the leaves, its bright body almost invisible until it struck with startling speed.”
Examples
simple
“The mamba moves fast through the tall grass.”
contextual
“The guide warned us to stay back because a black mamba hunts near the trail.”
complex
“At dusk the green mamba lay motionless among the leaves, its bright body almost invisible until it struck with startling speed.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mamba” in context.
Verb
01. encounter mamba
“Tourists rarely encounter a mamba during a short safari.”
verb + noun
02. handle mamba
“Only trained experts should handle a mamba in captivity.”
verb + noun
03. mamba bites
“If a mamba bites someone, they need antivenom immediately.”
noun + verb
04. mamba coils
“The mamba coiled around the branch before disappearing from view.”
noun + verb
05. mamba strikes
“The mamba strikes quickly when it feels cornered or threatened.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. aggressive mamba
“An aggressive mamba will raise its head as a warning sign.”
adj + noun
07. black mamba
“A black mamba can move surprisingly fast when it feels threatened.”
adj + noun
08. green mamba
“The green mamba rested quietly among the branches of the tree.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. bite of mamba
“A bite of a mamba requires urgent hospital treatment.”
noun + prep + noun
10. bitten by a black mamba
“The farmer was bitten by a black mamba while working in the field.”
11. green mamba in a tree
“We saw a green mamba in a tree near the forest path.”
12. keep away from mambas
“Guides warn visitors to keep away from mambas on the trail.”
Etymology
From Zulu imamba.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/mamba