Frankenstein

noun

Fran·​ken·​stein ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌstīn How to pronounce Frankenstein (audio)
 also  -ˌstēn
1
a
: the title character in Mary W. Shelley's novel Frankenstein who creates a monster that ruins his life
b
: a monster in the shape of a man especially in popularized versions of the Frankenstein story
2
: a monstrous creation
especially : a work or agency that ruins its originator
Frankensteinian adjective

Examples of Frankenstein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To illustrate this retelling of the Frankenstein tale, production designers Shona Heath and James Price literally Frankensteined different architectural elements to create singular urban and domestic environments. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Ideal for the Halloween season, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will ask the question: who is the real monster, creature or creator? David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 And the Saudis share some blame for creating this desert Frankenstein, having meddled recklessly in Yemen for many years. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Streams on Hulu starting March 7. Think Frankenstein story, and his bride. Leanne Italie, Quartz, 2 Mar. 2024 Where to Watch Lisa Frankenstein Online Currently available to buy or rent online, Focus Features’ Lisa Frankenstein is expected to stream on Peacock this spring. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024 Each band will play a full set from the headliners, with the National still touring in support of their dual 2023 releases, First Two Pages of Frankenstein and September’s Laugh Track. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2024 The National played a lot of concerts last year in support of their twin 2023 albums, First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 26 Feb. 2024 The National are touring in support of their twin 2023 albums, First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track. Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Frankenstein.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Frankenstein was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near Frankenstein

Cite this Entry

“Frankenstein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Frankenstein. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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