# snake

/ˈsneɪk/ (US) · /snˈeɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snake
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR A1

a long, thin reptile with no legs and a smooth skin.

For teachers: any of the numerous limbless, scaly, elongate reptiles of the suborder Serpentes.

- We saw a small green snake sliding through the tall grass in the garden.
- The biologist identified the specimen as a non-venomous snake, noting its distinctive scale pattern and defensive behavior.

### 2. a dishonest person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person you cannot trust because they are dishonest or mean.

For teachers: a person who acts deceitfully or treacherously, especially one who pretends to be a friend.

- I thought he was my friend, but he's a total snake who told everyone my secrets.
- In the high-stakes world of corporate mergers, he earned a reputation as a snake who would betray any partner for a higher profit margin.

### 3. plumbing tool

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a long, flexible wire used to clear blocked pipes or drains.

For teachers: a flexible steel cable used by plumbers to dislodge obstructions in piping systems.

- The sink was badly blocked, so I had to use a plumbing snake to clear it.
- When the chemical cleaners failed to dissolve the clog, the maintenance crew resorted to a heavy-duty motorized snake.

### 4. sweets/candy

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Dialect

a long, chewy sweet made of jelly in the shape of a snake.

For teachers: a variety of gummy or gelatin-based confectionery shaped like a serpent.

- The children bought a bag of jelly snakes at the cinema.
- The party bags were filled with assorted treats, including bright green gummy snakes and chocolate coins.

### 5. to move in curves

verb · CEFR B2

to move or go in a winding way with many curves.

For teachers: to follow a twisting or winding path; to move with a sinuous motion.

- The narrow road snakes up the side of the mountain.
- The river snakes through the valley, creating fertile floodplains that have been farmed for centuries.

### 6. to steal

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to take something quickly and secretly.

For teachers: to steal something in a sly or surreptitious manner.

- Someone snaked my sandwich from the office fridge while I was in a meeting.
- He managed to snake the last remaining ticket just as the box office was about to close for the night.

## Examples

- The snake moves quietly through the tall grass.
- While hiking through the desert, we saw a small snake sunning itself on a flat rock.
- The tropical rainforest is home to an incredible variety of snakes, ranging from tiny, harmless species to massive constrictors that hunt large mammals.

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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.