garter snake

noun

Synonyms of garter snakenext
: any of a genus (Thamnophis) of harmless viviparous American snakes with longitudinal stripes on the back

Illustration of garter snake

Illustration of garter snake

Examples of garter snake 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.
The movements no longer those of a minnow but rather of a garter snake in grass, with that edge of hiddenness and surprise. — Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 In September, the garter snakes begin to return to the dens and stay above ground until the weather gets too cool for them. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 Same-sex behavior has by now been observed in species as varied as field crickets, Humboldt squids, garter snakes, and Japanese macaques. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Expand While 2026 hopefully marks a turning point, the head-start project will have to continue for many years to ensure the garter snakes’ future. — Pepper St. Clair, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for garter snake

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of garter snake was in 1743

Rhymes for garter snake

See All Rhymes for garter snake

Browse Nearby Words

Garter Mission
garter snake
garter spring
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Cite this Entry

“Garter snake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garter%20snake. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

garter snake

noun
: any of numerous harmless American snakes with stripes along the back

More from Merriam-Webster on garter snake

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for garter snake

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about garter snake

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