dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdra-gən 

1

archaic : a huge serpent

2

: a mythical animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent or saurian with a crested head and enormous claws

3

: a violent, combative, or very strict person

4

capitalized : draco

5

: something or someone formidable or baneful

dragonish

ˈdra-gə-nish 

adjective

Examples of dragon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Collecting pins, friends at Gen Con On his backpack is a metallic rainbow of metal dragons, DnD emblems, rabbits with beer steins, monsters and colorful slogans tied gaming culture. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Aug. 2024

To seek out actual shooting locations, take a leisurely drive to Bourne Wood, the site of a memorable dragon battle. —Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Aug. 2024

Unlike basilisk lizards or sailfin dragons, which have similarly large fins today, Dimetrodon’s crests weren’t flexible. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2024

In the books, a dragon's previous rider must die in order for a dragon to accept someone new. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French dragun, from Latin dracon-, draco serpent, dragon, from Greek drakōn serpent; akin to Old English torht bright, Greek derkesthai to see, look at

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dragon

• dragon fruit
• dragon lady
• dragon's blood
• dragon's teeth
• green dragon
• Komodo dragon

Kids Definition

dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdrag-ən 

1

: an imaginary animal usually pictured as a huge serpent or lizard with wings and large claws

2

capitalized : draco

Etymology

Middle English dragon "dragon," from early French dragun (same meaning), from Latin dracon-, draco "serpent, dragon," from Greek drakōn "serpent" — related to rankle