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Definition of puffing snake

puffing snake

Plural:puffing snakes
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• noun

1

A large, highly variable, non-venomous colubrid snake native to the forests of Central and South America, characterized by its tendency to aggressively inflate its neck and upper body when threatened.

Example

"During our hike through the Costa Rican rainforest, we encountered a puffing snake that immediately swelled its neck in a defensive display."

2

North American A colloquial term used to describe any snake, particularly the North American hognose snake, that defensively flattens and inflates its body while hissing loudly to ward off threats.

Example

"Because of its dramatic defensive tactics, local farmers often mistakenly refer to the harmless eastern hognose as a puffing snake or puff adder."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for puffing snake

• Nearby Words

puffer
pufferfish
puffin
puffing snake
puffy
pug
pug-headed snake

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Puffing snake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 21, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/puffing%20snake
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