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
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
Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
The venom also contains hemorrhagic toxins which can cause severe internal bleeding and skeletal muscle damage.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
According to National Geographic, king cobras are found throughout Southeast Asia's rainforests and can deliver a bite with enough deadly venom to kill 20 people.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
To successfully paralyze their partners, the males needed to access a substantial amount of venom.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for venom
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Noun
Though interesting to look at, the Portuguese man-of-war’s venom can be deadly to small fish and painful to humans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
The venom also contains hemorrhagic toxins which can cause severe internal bleeding and skeletal muscle damage.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
According to National Geographic, king cobras are found throughout Southeast Asia's rainforests and can deliver a bite with enough deadly venom to kill 20 people.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
To successfully paralyze their partners, the males needed to access a substantial amount of venom.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for venom
Cite this Entry
“Venom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venom. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
venom
noun
ven·om
ˈven-əm 
: 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
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