ogre

noun

ˈō-gər 

1

: a hideous giant of fairy tales and folklore that feeds on human beings : monster

2

: a dreaded person or object

ogreish

ˈō-g(ə-)rish 

adjective

Synonyms

• grotesque
• grotesquerie
• grotesquery
• monster
• monstrosity

Examples of ogre in a Sentence

The book portrays their father as an ogre who mistreated them.

a horror movie filled with ogres and demons of every description

Recent Examples on the Web

But that didn’t stop DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg from pitching him the chance to voice a a big green ogre. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024

In it, dozens of people dressed as knights, centaurs, and ogres participate in medieval LARPing while Webster, her face painted like a goblin, plays guitar in the center of the field. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 2 Oct. 2024

Along with the popular story about the lovable ogre, Steig also wrote Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024

Victoria showcased her Halloween spirit with a scary green ogre mask that included several large moles and a gummy smile. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, probably ultimately from Latin Orcus, god of the underworld

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ogre

noun

ˈō-gər 

1

: an ugly giant of fairy tales and folklore that eats people

2

: a dreaded person or object

ogreish

ˈō-g(ə-)rish 

adjective