Illustration of python
: any of various large constricting snakes
especially
: any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes
Examples of python in a Sentence
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Snake handler Drew Godfrey, who works for Hervey Bay Snake Catchers in the Australian territory of Queensland, had the task of removing two coastal carpet pythons, also known as Morelia spilota mcdowelli, from a customer's toilet bowl.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Unlike logo hardware, these python styles are a Khaite signature—understated to most, but instantly recognizable to those with a fashion eye.
—Madeline Fass, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
The pythons do try to make the most of their abilities though.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024
The study notes that the deer consumed by the python in the clip was 66.9% of the snake's mass.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Unlike logo hardware, these python styles are a Khaite signature—understated to most, but instantly recognizable to those with a fashion eye.
—Madeline Fass, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
The pythons do try to make the most of their abilities though.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024
The study notes that the deer consumed by the python in the clip was 66.9% of the snake's mass.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for python
Dictionary Entries Near python
Cite this Entry
“Python.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/python. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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python
noun
py·thon
ˈpī-ˌthän 
-thən
: any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time
Etymology
named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend
Word Origin
Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century a.d. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey.
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