dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdra-gən How to pronounce dragon (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of dragon 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.
Teigen also shared that their bearded dragon Sebastian had evacuated with them. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 The planet is home to native inhabitants such as the womp rat, the bantha, the sarlacc, and the krayt dragon, creatures that probably wouldn't have survived the desertification process that NASA identified. Tom Brown, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025 The dragons of the Cold War were slain, and new serpents followed. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 30 Dec. 2024 The dragon tries to eat King Donald, but the Kash character helps rescue him and the dragon learns he has been lied to. David Rohde, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dragon 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dragon was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near dragon

Cite this Entry

“Dragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dragon. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

dragon

noun
drag·​on ˈdrag-ən How to pronounce dragon (audio)
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

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