noun
sidewinder
SYD-wyn-d
Sidewinder (noun) means a small venomous rattlesnake native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its distinctive sideways slithering movement. Example: “A sidewinder left a curious S-shaped trail across the dune.”
noun
1
A small venomous rattlesnake native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its distinctive sideways slithering movement.
"A sidewinder left a curious S-shaped trail across the dune."
2
A heavy blow delivered from the side.
"The boxer caught his opponent with a sidewinder to the jaw."
How to use sidewinder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA desert rattlesnake that moves sideways across sand, or by extension a heavy sideways punch.
Common pairings
a sidewinder rattlesnake
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Word forms
- Plural
- sidewinders
- Third person singular
- sidewinders
- Past tense
- sidewindered
Fill the gap
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A _____ left a curious S-shaped trail across the dune.
Etymology
From "side" plus "winder" (one that winds or moves in loops), describing the snake's sideways, looping way of crossing sand.
Synonyms
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horned rattlesnake
Rhymes for sidewinder
See all rhymes for sidewinder →Frequently asked questions
What does “sidewinder” mean?
The word “sidewinder” means a small venomous rattlesnake native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its distinctive sideways slithering movement. In plain terms, a desert rattlesnake that moves sideways across sand, or by extension a heavy sideways punch.
How do you pronounce “sidewinder”?
“Sidewinder” is pronounced SYD-wyn-d (/ˈsaɪd.waɪn.dɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sidewinder” in a sentence?
Here is “sidewinder” used in a sentence: “A sidewinder left a curious S-shaped trail across the dune.”
What part of speech is “sidewinder”?
“Sidewinder” is a noun.
How many meanings does “sidewinder” have?
“Sidewinder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small venomous rattlesnake native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its distinctive sideways slithering movement.
