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 If Greek monsters aren't their thing, the Horrified game series is also available in American Monsters (such as Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Jersey Devil) and Classic Monsters (including Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy) versions. Deanna McCormack, Parents, 19 Mar. 2024 In a nod to genre fans, Vilnius’ Midnight Screams line-up this year includes screenings of cult classics such as David Cronenberg’s Crash (1996) and Nagisa Ōshima’s In the Realm of the Senses (1976) as well as the 3D version of Paul Morrissey’s 1973 trash fave Flesh for Frankenstein. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024 In the new documentary Remembering Gene Wilder, Karen Boyer, who was married to the Young Frankenstein star from 1991 until his death at 83 in 2016, shares her experience with Wilder in the years between his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and his final days. Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2024 This kind of Frankenstein statue was common in the 18th century, as adding modern shoulders made the ancient head more desirable to a potential buyer. Victor Mather, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Though both of these James Whale masterpieces hold up remarkably well, the 1935 sequel surpasses the original Frankenstein — itself a great movie — in terms of style. Katie Rife, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024 The twist on the Frankenstein story took home four trophies in total, including production design, costumes and makeup. Thomas Buckley, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 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

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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