# venomous

/ˈvɛnəməs/ (US) · /vˈɛnəməs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/venomous
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. animals that sting or bite

adjective · CEFR B2

describes an animal, like a snake or spider, that can inject poison into you when it bites or stings.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. containing poison

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

containing or full of poison.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The snake is venomous, so you must stay away from it.
- Hikers are warned to wear thick boots because several venomous spiders live in the tall grass.
- The politician's venomous response to the journalist's question shocked the audience, as it shifted the tone from a policy debate to a series of personal attacks.

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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.