chicken snake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Regional (especially Southern and Midwestern US)
Quick answer
What does “chicken snake” mean?
A common name in North America for several species of non-venomous snake, particularly rat snakes and corn snakes, which are often found near human dwellings or agricultural areas and may feed on eggs or small birds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name in North America for several species of non-venomous snake, particularly rat snakes and corn snakes, which are often found near human dwellings or agricultural areas and may feed on eggs or small birds.
Informally, any snake of varying appearance seen in or near a chicken coop or farmyard, whether or not it actually preys on chickens. The term is regionally applied and not scientifically precise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is essentially absent in British English, as the snakes it refers to are not native to the UK. In American English, it is a regional, informal term.
Connotations
In American usage, it often carries a rural, agricultural connotation. It may imply a nuisance to poultry farmers but not a deadly threat.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English. In American English, frequency is moderate only in specific rural regions where poultry farming is common.
Grammar
How to Use “chicken snake” in a Sentence
The {chicken snake} {verb} in the coop.We saw a {chicken snake} near the barn.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chicken snake” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- Grandpa went out to chicken-snake the coop after hearing the hens fuss.
adjective
American English
- He had a chicken-snake problem that required securing the henhouse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Avoid; use the precise scientific name (e.g., Pantherophis obsoletus).
Everyday
Used in rural conversation to describe a snake found near poultry.
Technical
Not used; herpetologists use species-specific nomenclature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chicken snake”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chicken snake”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chicken snake”
- Assuming it is one specific snake species.
- Using it in formal or scientific writing.
- Believing it is venomous (most are not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the snakes commonly called 'chicken snakes' in the US, like rat snakes and corn snakes, are non-venomous constrictors.
It gets its name from its frequent presence near chicken coops, where it may eat eggs or occasionally young chicks.
No, it is an informal, regional term. For scientific accuracy, you must identify the exact species (e.g., Eastern rat snake).
Since they are harmless and beneficial for rodent control, it's best to leave it alone or gently relocate it away from poultry areas.
A common name in North America for several species of non-venomous snake, particularly rat snakes and corn snakes, which are often found near human dwellings or agricultural areas and may feed on eggs or small birds.
Chicken snake is usually informal, regional (especially southern and midwestern us) in register.
Chicken snake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪkɪn sneɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪkɪn sneɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idiom, term itself is descriptive]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a snake that 'chickens out' of the wild and hangs around chicken coops for easy meals.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANIMAL IS NAMED BY ITS PERCEIVED PREY/HABITAT (e.g., king snake, mouse hawk).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'chicken snake' most accurately described as?