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Definition of boa

boa

/ˈboʊ.ə/
bo · a
Plural:boas
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boa Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A large, non-venomous constricting snake of the family Boidae, primarily native to the Americas, that subdues its prey by wrapping around and squeezing it.

Example

"The zookeeper carefully handled the red-tailed boa while explaining its natural habitat to the visiting students."

2

A long, thin, fluffy stole or scarf, typically made of feathers or fur, worn wrapped around the neck as a decorative accessory.

Example

"She arrived at the theater premiere wearing a glamorous velvet gown draped with a bright pink feather boa."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for boa

• Rhymes for boa

• Nearby Words

bluethroat
blunt-headed tree snake
blunthead cichlid
boa
boa constrictor
boar
board

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'boa', denoting a type of large snake described by Pliny the Elder. It is possibly derived from 'bos' (cow), based on an ancient myth that these snakes suckled milk from cows.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Boa. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 18, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/boa
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