# python

/ˈpaɪθɑn/ (US) · /pˈaɪθən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the snake

noun · CEFR B1

a large snake that kills animals by squeezing them very tightly.

For teachers: any of the nonvenomous constricting snakes belonging to the family Pythonidae.

- The python at the zoo was over four meters long and very heavy.
- The reticulated python is known for its immense length and its ability to consume relatively large mammals by constricting their breathing.

### 2. the programming language

noun · CEFR B1

a popular computer language used for writing software and analyzing data.

For teachers: a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its readability and versatile standard library.

- She decided to learn Python because it is a great language for beginners.
- Data scientists often prefer Python over other languages due to its extensive ecosystem of libraries for machine learning and statistical analysis.

### 3. the comedy troupe

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

a member of the famous British comedy group called Monty Python.

For teachers: a member of the influential British surreal comedy group Monty Python.

- John Cleese is perhaps the most famous Python from the original TV show.
- The surviving Pythons reunited for a series of live performances that celebrated their legacy in sketch comedy.

### 4. vulgar slang for penis

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a rude, slang word for a penis.

For teachers: a vulgar slang term for the penis.

- He made a crude joke using a slang word for his python.
- The script was edited for television to remove several vulgar references to the male anatomy, including the word python.

## Examples

- The python at the zoo is over four meters long.
- Many data scientists prefer using Python because it has a large library of tools for statistical analysis.
- While the zookeeper monitored the python's feeding habits, the research team used a Python script to automate the collection of temperature data from the enclosure.

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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.