noun
Uncommon
Python
PEYE-thuhn
Python (noun) means a large, nonvenomous constricting snake that kills prey by squeezing it. Example: “The python coiled around the rabbit and squeezed until it stopped moving.”
noun
1
A large, nonvenomous constricting snake that kills prey by squeezing it.
"The python coiled around the rabbit and squeezed until it stopped moving."
"Pet pythons can grow large enough to require a permit in some states."
2
A widely used programming language known for its readable, simple syntax.
"She wrote the data-analysis script in Python."
"Python is often recommended as a first language for new programmers."
How to use Python
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the snake or the popular programming language — context makes it obvious which.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- Pythons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ coiled around the rabbit and squeezed until it stopped moving.
Etymology
From the Greek myth of Python, the serpent of Delphi slain by Apollo. The programming language was actually named by its creator, Guido van Rossum, after the British comedy group Monty Python, not the snake.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Python” mean?
The word “Python” means a large, nonvenomous constricting snake that kills prey by squeezing it. In plain terms, either the snake or the popular programming language — context makes it obvious which.
How do you pronounce “Python”?
“Python” is pronounced PEYE-thuhn (/ˈpaɪθɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Python” in a sentence?
Here is “Python” used in a sentence: “The python coiled around the rabbit and squeezed until it stopped moving.”
What part of speech is “Python”?
“Python” is a noun.
Where does the word “Python” come from?
The word “Python” comes from Greek. From the Greek myth of Python, the serpent of Delphi slain by Apollo. The programming language was actually named by its creator, Guido van Rossum, after the British comedy group Monty Python, not the snake.
Is “Python” a common word?
“Python” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Python” have?
“Python” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, nonvenomous constricting snake that kills prey by squeezing it.
What is the difference between a python and a boa constrictor?
Both are large, nonvenomous snakes that kill prey by constriction rather than venom, but they belong to different snake families. Pythons are generally found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, while boas are more associated with the Americas.
Is a python venomous?
No, a python is nonvenomous. It kills its prey by squeezing it with its powerful body rather than injecting venom.
What is the difference between python the snake and Python the programming language?
They share a name but are otherwise unrelated: one is a large constricting snake, and the other is a widely used programming language known for its simple, readable syntax. The programming language is conventionally capitalized as "Python," while the snake is written in lowercase.
