noun
Uncommon
boa
BOH-uh
Boa (noun) means a large, non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction, such as the boa constrictor. Example: “The boa coiled itself slowly around the branch.”
noun
1
A large, non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction, such as the boa constrictor.
"The boa coiled itself slowly around the branch."
2
A long, fluffy scarf, often made of feathers, worn draped around the neck and shoulders.
"She wore a bright pink feather boa to the party."
How to use boa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a large constricting snake or a long feathery scarf — two very different things sharing one name.
Common pairings
boa constrictor
feather boa
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Word forms
- Plural
- boas, boæ
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ coiled itself slowly around the branch.
Etymology
From Latin boa, the name of a large snake described by the Roman writer Pliny. The fluffy scarf was later named after the snake because of its similar shape when worn around the neck.
Rhymes for boa
See all rhymes for boa →Frequently asked questions
What does “boa” mean?
The word “boa” means a large, non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction, such as the boa constrictor. In plain terms, either a large constricting snake or a long feathery scarf — two very different things sharing one name.
How do you pronounce “boa”?
“Boa” is pronounced BOH-uh (/ˈboʊ.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “boa” in a sentence?
Here is “boa” used in a sentence: “The boa coiled itself slowly around the branch.”
What part of speech is “boa”?
“Boa” is a noun.
Where does the word “boa” come from?
The word “boa” comes from Latin. From Latin boa, the name of a large snake described by the Roman writer Pliny. The fluffy scarf was later named after the snake because of its similar shape when worn around the neck.
Is “boa” a common word?
“Boa” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “boa” have?
“Boa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction, such as the boa constrictor.
