Search Dictionary
Definition of western garter snake

western garter snake

Plural:western garter snakes
JUMP TO:

western garter snake Lexical Profile

• noun

1

North American A highly variable species of colubrid snake (Thamnophis elegans) native to western North America, typically characterized by a dark body with three light longitudinal stripes and known for a diverse diet ranging from amphibians to small mammals.

Example

"While hiking through the mountain meadows of Oregon, the students spotted a Western garter snake basking on a warm, flat rock."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for western garter snake

• Nearby Words

western brown snake
western bush viper
western diamondback rattlesnake
western garter snake
western gorilla
western green mamba
western hemlock

Word Origin & Etymology

The name 'garter snake' derives from the longitudinal stripes running down the snake's back, which resemble the garters historically worn by men to hold up their stockings. The prefix 'western' denotes its primary geographic distribution.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Western garter snake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/western garter snake
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
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®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.