griffon

noun

grif·​fon ˈgri-fən How to pronounce griffon (audio)
1
: brussels griffon
2
: wirehaired pointing griffon

Examples of griffon 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.
Dog owner Karen Marsh told Newsweek via email that the family went on a business trip and couldn't take their 9-year-old petit basset griffon vendéen, Dougie, with them. — Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Last year, Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, was named the top dog. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, griffin

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of griffon was in 1882

Phrases Containing griffon

Rhymes for griffon

See All Rhymes for griffon

Browse Nearby Words

griffithite
griffon
griffonage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Griffon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/griffon. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on griffon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about griffon

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All