drag king

noun

plural drag kings

: a person and especially a woman who dresses as a man and performs as an entertainer in male drag (see drag entry 3 sense 2a)

Likewise, drag kings, who are traditionally females, dress as stereotypically masculine characters.

—Lauren Wavra

While traditionally drag kings involved women stepping into the roles—and clothes—of their male counterparts, today it's not that simple.

—David Friend

… blind, non-binary drag king Tito Bone showcases their signature skills of song, dance and audio description.

—Impact News Service (London)

Examples of drag king in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gibson’s drag king character, Barry, is one of the most intriguing to come out of Jackson’s course. — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

After a monumental season of shepherding drag kings into the pop culture consciousness, Revry’s King of Drag is back for season 2 — and Entertainment Weekly has the exclusive reveal of the new royal court competing for the throne. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026

The drag king inspiration continued with Harvey Guillén’s portrayal of Eddie, the show’s rock-and-roll ghost who survives just one scene before being chainsawed to pieces. — Gianluca Russo, Allure, 5 June 2026

From flash tattoos to tie-dye and firebreathers to drag king Tenderoni, patrons can expect a classic 51st KC PrideFest when the event returns to Frank A Theis Park this weekend. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drag king

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• plaything
• shoestring
• texting