dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdra-gən How to pronounce dragon (audio)
1
archaic : a huge serpent
2
: a mythical animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent or saurian with a crested head and enormous claws
3
: a violent, combative, or very strict person
4
capitalized : draco
5
: something or someone formidable or baneful
dragonish adjective

Examples of dragon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An official video, which has since been taken down, showed a vibrant spectacle of fireworks being unleashed from the top of a mountain, forming a winding line that Cai – the mastermind behind 2008 Beijing Olympic Games’ fireworks display – likened to a dragon. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025 To find a solution, the district and the architects also explored expanding the MUR in the other direction, however, that would require the demotion of the outdoor amphitheater (with its dragon mascot mural) with no room on campus for a relocation. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025 In characteristic fashion, some of Bragg’s last episodes explore dragons, civility, and the evolution of lungs. Jane Bua, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025 Guests are greeted by dragon statues gifted from Parry’s uncle, while the cocktail menu is illustrated with mythological creatures by his sister. Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dragon

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French dragun, from Latin dracon-, draco serpent, dragon, from Greek drakōn serpent; akin to Old English torht bright, Greek derkesthai to see, look at

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dragon was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dragon. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

dragon

noun
drag·​on ˈdrag-ən How to pronounce dragon (audio)
1
: an imaginary animal usually pictured as a huge serpent or lizard with wings and large claws
2
capitalized : draco
Etymology

Middle English dragon "dragon," from early French dragun (same meaning), from Latin dracon-, draco "serpent, dragon," from Greek drakōn "serpent" — related to rankle

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