boa constrictor

noun

: a tropical American boa (Boa constrictor synonym Constrictor constrictor) that is light brown barred or mottled with darker brown and reaches a length of 10 feet (3 meters) or more
broadly : boa sense 1

Examples of boa constrictor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Suddenly, Jackson’s pet boa constrictor slithers into the room. Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2024 In the video, Normani hit the stage in a burgundy two-piece bikini and showgirl headpiece -- much like Hayek's character, Santanico Pandemonium, in the movie -- and started sensually dancing with a yellow boa constrictor snake after shedding her cape. Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2021 Alice Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand blending horror movies, vaudeville and garage rock with a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. Monica Hooper, arkansasonline.com, 29 Jan. 2024 This team is a boa constrictor — simple, steady, and suffocating. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2024 Now between the Beast and the Edge of Hell, Edgar is responsible for the care and feeding of two boa constrictors, three pythons, two anacondas and one alligator named Clamp. Robert Trussell, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024 That was the case when the TSA caught a 4-foot-long boa constrictor after a Florida traveler tried to bring it through security, claiming the animal (named Bartholomew) was an emotional support pet. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2023 In 2020, a man in California was about to use the toilet when a boa constrictor popped out. CBS News, 11 Aug. 2023 Florida Fish and Wildlife officers expressed regret for killing a pregnant boa constrictor at a reptile facility. Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boa constrictor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boa constrictor was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near boa constrictor

Cite this Entry

“Boa constrictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boa%20constrictor. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

boa constrictor

noun
boa con·​stric·​tor
-kən-ˈstrik-tər
: a brown tropical American boa that grows to 10 feet (3 meters) or longer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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