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
Dragon : draco
5
: something or someone formidable or baneful
dragonish
ˈdra-gə-nish How to pronounce dragon (audio)
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.
Her logic reminded me of when Siegfried eats some of a dragon’s heart and can suddenly understand what birds are saying. — Caleb Crain, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 Sometimes, trips to the national park include side visits to the famous prehistoric-looking Komodo dragons. — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026 Rose, the glitter-breathing dragon, resembles some of the more feminine-presenting mascots to appear in recent seasons, including Ellie (Liberty), Violet (Valkyries) and Skye (Sky). — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The outdoor amphitheater, with its dragon mascot mural, has been preserved on the back side of the MUR. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing dragon

Rhymes for dragon

See All Rhymes for dragon

Browse Nearby Words

dragoman
dragon
dragon's blood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dragon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on dragon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dragon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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