griffin

noun

grif·​fin ˈgri-fən 

variants or griffon or less commonly gryphon

: a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion

Illustration of griffin

Examples of griffin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The institution will retain the griffin logo and brand identity that accompanied the October renaming. —News Desk, Artforum, 5 Feb. 2026

The museum will keep the griffin logo and other elements that were part of the rebrand, according to an announcement from the museum Wednesday afternoon. —Laura Fay, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

The motif showcases the stories of the family that previously lived at the palace — often reproducing animals such as eagles, lions, dogs, peacocks and griffins. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025

The logo revives the griffin but places it with a bold, circular emblem that is unmistakably digital. —Sheri Lambert, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English griffon, from Anglo-French grif, griffun, from Latin gryphus, from Greek gryp-, gryps

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for griffin

• griffon
• gryphon
• stiffen
• tiffin

Kids Definition

griffin

noun

grif·​fin

variants or griffon also gryphon

ˈgrif-ən

: an imaginary animal that is half eagle and half lion

Geographical Definition

Griffin

geographical name

Grif·​fin ˈgri-fən 

city south-southeast of Atlanta in west central Georgia population 23,643

Biographical Definition

Griffin

biographical name

Grif·​fin ˈgri-fən 

Walter Burley 1876–1937 American architect