snapdragon

noun

snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdra-gən How to pronounce snapdragon (audio)
: any of a genus (Antirrhinum of the family Plantaginaceae, the plantain family) of herbs having showy bilabiate flowers
especially : a widely cultivated one (A. majus) of Mediterranean origin having usually pink, red, yellow, or white flowers

Illustration of snapdragon

Illustration of snapdragon

Examples of snapdragon 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.
In spring, view blooms like the layered ranunculus or cheery poppies, or stop by in the fall to find sunflowers, zinnias, and snapdragons in full bloom. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025 Growing Tiny Seeds Very small seeds, like poppies or snapdragons—are challenging to handle. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025 Certain annual flowers like pansies and snapdragons that often appear at garden centers very early in the spring can also take mild freezing temperatures before the last frost date and keep blooming. — Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025 Angelonia angustifolia Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-6.8) USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 Commonly called summer snapdragon, this low-maintenance bloomer thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snapdragon

Word History

Etymology

from the fancied resemblance of the flowers to the face of a dragon

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snapdragon was in 1573

Rhymes for snapdragon

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Browse Nearby Words

snap clutch
snapdragon
snape
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Cite this Entry

“Snapdragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snapdragon. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

snapdragon

noun
snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdrag-ən How to pronounce snapdragon (audio)
: a widely grown herb having showy usually pink, red, white, or yellow two-lipped flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on snapdragon

Nglish: Translation of snapdragon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about snapdragon

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