Word
venomous
Phoneticsven·omous
US/ˈvɛnəməs/
UK/vˈɛnəməs/
Definitions
01animals that sting or bite
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
adj. describes an animal, like a snake or spider, that can inject poison into you when it bites or stings.
adj. capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting. Distinguished from 'poisonous', which refers to toxins that are harmful when touched or swallowed.
“The hikers were warned to watch out for venomous snakes in the tall grass.”
“While many spiders appear intimidating, only a small percentage of species are truly venomous to humans.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02containing poison
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. containing or full of poison.
adj. consisting of or containing venom or similar toxins. Often used in historical or literary contexts to describe substances rather than animals.
“The old stories spoke of a venomous mist that rose from the swamp.”
“The alchemist warned that the venomous vapours from the boiling lead could be fatal if inhaled.”
Usage
Commonly confused with 'poisonous'; 'venomous' refers to toxins injected via a wound, while 'poisonous' refers to toxins absorbed or ingested.
Pitfall
He was bitten by a poisonous snake.
He was bitten by a venomous snake.
Biologically, 'venomous' is the correct term for animals that inject toxins through bites; 'poisonous' is for things that are harmful if eaten or touched.
Real-World Examples
“Over half of the countries where venomous snakes pose a threat don't keep count of how many people are bitten or envenomed.” “However, none of the FETUA proteins on its own was able to completely prevent death from a venomous bite.” Etymology
From Middle English venymous, from Old French venimos, composed of venim (“venom”) + -os (adjective-forming suffix). Synchronically analysable as venom + -ous. Compare Modern French venimeux. Piecewise doublet of venenous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
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