fer-de-lance

noun

ˈfer-də-ˈlan(t)s How to pronounce fer-de-lance (audio)
-ˈlän(t)s
plural fer-de-lance
Synonyms of fer-de-lancenext
: a large extremely venomous pit viper (Bothrops atrox) of Central and South America

Illustration of fer-de-lance

Illustration of fer-de-lance

Examples of fer-de-lance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Encounters with fer-de-lance can be minimized by maintaining clear boundaries between natural habitats and human spaces. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Because fer-de-lance snakes have slightly different venom in different areas, for instance, the researchers mix in venom taken from snakes on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the country before injecting it in the horses. — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, lance iron, spearhead

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fer-de-lance was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

ferberite
fer-de-lance
fer-de-moline
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fer-de-lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fer-de-lance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fer-de-lance

noun
ˌferd-ᵊl-ˈan(t)s, 
-ˈän(t)s
plural fer-de-lance
: a large extremely poisonous pit viper of Central and South America
Etymology

from French fer-de-lance, literally, "iron (point) of a lance"

More from Merriam-Webster on fer-de-lance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fer-de-lance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fer-de-lance

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