Frankenstein

noun

Fran·​ken·​stein ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌstīn 

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

… a monster from the spare parts bin, an automotive Frankenstein …

—Buzz Forham

especially : a work or agency that ruins its originator

Frankensteinian

ˌfraŋ-kən-ˈstī-nē-ən 

-ˈsti-

adjective

Examples of Frankenstein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tribune likened the spectacle to Veeck’s version of Frankenstein’s monster. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026

This Frankenstein of models got the best score of the bunch, six or seven out of 10. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

Emphasizing their versatility, Evans likes to see the Frankenstein sandal-heel hybrid paired with trousers and a mini summer dress. —Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 June 2026

Some treatments have closely followed the text, such as Nick Dear’s stage play for the Royal National Theatre (2011), directed by Danny Boyle, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller interchangeable as Frankenstein and his creature. —Literary Hub, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for Frankenstein

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline