# rattlesnake

/ˈɹætəɫsˌneɪk/ (US) · /ɹˈætəlsnˌeɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rattlesnake
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a type of snake that lives in North and South America. It has a special part on its tail that makes a loud noise when it moves.

For teachers: any of various venomous snakes of the genus Crotalus, characterized by a rattle on the end of the tail. Found primarily in the Americas, these snakes use the rattle as a warning signal to potential predators.

## Examples

- The hiker saw a rattlesnake hiding in the tall grass.
- When the campers heard the sound of a rattlesnake, they immediately moved away from the trail.
- The rattlesnake's venom contains a complex mixture of enzymes and proteins that can cause severe tissue damage if not treated with an antiserum within hours of the bite.

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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.