Search Dictionary
Definition of water moccasin

water moccasin

Plural:water moccasins
JUMP TO:

• noun

1

American A large, venomous, semiaquatic pit viper (Agkistrodon piscivorus) native to the southeastern United States, characterized by its dark, heavy body and the bright white interior of its mouth which it displays when threatened.

Example

"While kayaking through the Louisiana bayou, the guide warned us to avoid the low-hanging branches where water moccasins are known to rest."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for water moccasin

Word Nuance & Usage

The term 'water moccasin' is entirely synonymous with 'cottonmouth,' though colloquially, many people mistakenly apply the name to harmless, non-venomous water snakes found in the same habitats.

• Nearby Words

water hyacinth
water lettuce
water lily
water moccasin
water monitor
water plantain
water python

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Water moccasin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/water-moccasin
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.