Illustration of python
: any of various large constricting snakes
especially
: any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes
Examples of python in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Records from past challenges indicate that large percentages of pythons were flagged for improper euthanasia.
—
Brandon Rahe, Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2024
There are lovely, moody shots of Chatwin the novelist, travel writer and adventurer, wandering through Haiti, posing with a python — and a priestess — at her shrine in Benin, and shot against the backdrop of a mountain range in Namibia.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 28 June 2024
Meanwhile, more water-guzzling swimming pools are being built than ever, lone star ticks that can cause a meat allergy have reached Rhode Island and giant Burmese pythons are slithering northward from Florida.
—Janet Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024
Their reptile bounty includes babies, which suggests that invasive pythons are now breeding in the wild.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for python 
Brandon Rahe, Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2024
There are lovely, moody shots of Chatwin the novelist, travel writer and adventurer, wandering through Haiti, posing with a python — and a priestess — at her shrine in Benin, and shot against the backdrop of a mountain range in Namibia.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 28 June 2024
Meanwhile, more water-guzzling swimming pools are being built than ever, lone star ticks that can cause a meat allergy have reached Rhode Island and giant Burmese pythons are slithering northward from Florida.
—Janet Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024
Their reptile bounty includes babies, which suggests that invasive pythons are now breeding in the wild.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for python
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'python.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Python.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/python. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
python
noun
py·thon
ˈpī-ˌthän 
-thən
: any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time
Etymology
named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend
Word Origin
Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century a.d. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey.
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