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Definition of water python
water python
Plural:water pythons
water python Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Australian A large, non-venomous constricting snake native to the freshwater habitats, floodplains, and billabongs of northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, noted for its highly iridescent, dark brown scales and yellow underbelly.
Example
"During the wet season, the water python feeds extensively on dusky rats that populate the northern floodplains."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive common name derived from the species' preferred habitat near freshwater streams, billabongs, and floodplains, combined with 'python', which traces back via Latin to the Greek 'Puthōn', the name of a mythical serpent.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Water python. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/water python