venom

1 of 2

noun

ven·​om ˈve-nəm How to pronounce venom (audio)
1
: a toxic substance produced by some animals (such as snakes, scorpions, or bees) that is injected into prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging and has an injurious or lethal effect
broadly : a substance that is poisonous
2
: a spiteful malicious feeling or state of mind : extreme ill will : malevolence

venom

2 of 2

verb

venomed; venoming; venoms

Examples of venom in a Sentence

Noun She spoke of him with venom in her voice. He spewed venom against his rival.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The venom is then used to create an antivenom for those bit by a funnel-web spider. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Its venom is weakly neurotoxic at best; bites aren’t considered to be dangerous for adult humans. Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Do not pinch or squeeze the stinger because this could cause more venom to be released.7 Similarities Anaphylaxis is a form of allergic reaction, and both conditions have similar causes. Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Unlike a snake, which injects venom through hollow fangs, the gila monster’s venom flows through large grooved lower teeth. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for venom 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English venim, borrowed from Anglo-French venim, venyn, going back to Vulgar Latin *venīmen, re-formation of Latin venēnum "magical herb, poison," going back to *wenes-no-m, from *wenes- (whence vener-, venus "sexual desire, qualities exciting desire, charm") + *-no-, instrumental suffix — more at venus

Note: In the sense "poison" Latin venēnum is perhaps an avoidance euphemism, a word meaning "magical charm" being transferred to something toxic, and hence dangerous, to avoid saying the actual word. Compare Old High German gift "gift, magical drink," Modern German Gift "poison."

Verb

Middle English venimen, borrowed from Anglo-French venimer, verbal derivative of venim venom entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of venom was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near venom

Cite this Entry

“Venom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venom. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

venom

noun
ven·​om
ˈven-əm
1
: poison produced by some animals (as a snake, scorpion, or bee) and passed to a victim usually by biting or stinging
2

Medical Definition

venom

noun
ven·​om ˈven-əm How to pronounce venom (audio)
: a toxic substance produced by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) that is injected into prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging and has an injurious or lethal effect
broadly : a substance that is poisonous

More from Merriam-Webster on venom

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