Komodo dragon

noun

Ko·​mo·​do dragon kə-ˈmō-dō- How to pronounce Komodo dragon (audio)
: an Indonesian monitor lizard (Varanus komodoensis) that is the largest of all known lizards and may attain a length of 10 feet (3 meters)

Illustration of Komodo dragon

Illustration of komodo dragon

Examples of Komodo dragon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
However, because every individual would be genetically identical, Komodo dragon mothers and their daughters would be more vulnerable to disease and environmental changes than a genetically-varied group. Corryn Wetzel, National Geographic, 25 Aug. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Komodo Island, Indonesia

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Komodo dragon was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near Komodo dragon

Cite this Entry

“Komodo dragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Komodo%20dragon. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Komodo dragon

noun
Ko·​mo·​do dragon kə-ˈmōd-ō- How to pronounce Komodo dragon (audio)
: a lizard of Indonesia that is the largest of all known lizards and may grow to be 10 feet (3 meters) long

More from Merriam-Webster on Komodo dragon

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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