Frankenstein

noun

Fran·​ken·​stein ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌstīn How to pronounce Frankenstein (audio)
 also  -ˌstēn
1
a
: the title character in Mary W. Shelley's novel Frankenstein who creates a monster that ruins his life
b
: a monster in the shape of a man especially in popularized versions of the Frankenstein story
2
: a monstrous creation
especially : a work or agency that ruins its originator
Frankensteinian adjective

Examples of Frankenstein 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.
Adding to the fun, the film is narrated by Boris Karloff — best known for playing Frankenstein’s monster. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 29 Nov. 2024 Grab a one-sheet to play a scavenger hunt and find characters like The Joker, The Cat in the Hat, Frankenstein’s monster, The Incredible Hulk, Wonder Woman and others all hiding in plain sight. John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024 Even before his Superman breakthrough, Chilvers had worked on special effects for such offbeat, often countercultural 1970s fare as 200 Motels, Frankenstein: The True Story, Tommy, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Lisztomania. Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 Christopher starred as all three of those characters—while Cushing played Van Helsing and Dr. Frankenstein, among others. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Frankenstein 

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Frankenstein was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near Frankenstein

Cite this Entry

“Frankenstein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Frankenstein. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Frankenstein

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!