Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cottonmouth

Noun

/ˈkɒtənmaʊθ/

Definition

A venomous snake found in the southeastern United States, known for its white interior of the mouth.

Examples

The cottonmouth can often be found lounging by the water’s edge.
Careful! A cottonmouth may suddenly reveal its white mouth as a defense mechanism.
Some people mistake the cottonmouth for a non-venomous water snake.

Meaning

The cottonmouth is a species of pit viper that is often associated with water and has a distinctive open mouth that reveals its white coloration, which is a warning to potential threats.