When referring toVenom in thePrime Marvel Universe, it is generally referring to theVenom Symbiote itself, a symbiotic organism from another planet who feeds on adrenaline and grants spider-like powers to its owner.

"Venom" can also refer to its hosts, most notably the conflicted anti-heroEddie Brock, the third recipient of the Venom Symbiote afterTel-Kar andPeter Parker. Because symbiotes do not exclusively bond to one being, a number of people have worn the symbiote over the years, taking along with it the "Venom" name. Notable among them areDylan Brock, the son of Eddie who also used the symbiote under the codenameCodex; former Army RangerLee Price, formerly using the symbiote to embark on a career as a super villain; Army CorporalFlash Thompson, formerly using the organism as an agent of the United States government and a member of theSecret Avengers andGuardians of the Galaxy; and career criminalMac Gargan, operating with the Symbiote as a member of theThunderbolts and theDark Avengers.