dragon

noun drag·on \ ˈdra-gən \

Definition of dragon

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

play \-gə-nish\ adjective

See dragon defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of dragon from the Web

Westeros: the land of dragons, direwolves, and death to one and all.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Hot (Pie) Tables," 25 Aug. 2017
The Dragons started the tournament 5-0 by beating Clear Brook, Pasadena Memorial, Smithson Valley, Churchill and McKinney Boyd - and never dropped a set.

— brian gosset, star-telegram, "Byron Nelson wins ASC Nike tournament, Arlington finishes runner up in Mansfield," 12 Aug. 2017
There might as well be a mummy, dragon and telekinetic prom date.

— jon niccum, kansascity, "‘Annabelle: Creation’ is more irritating than haunting," 10 Aug. 2017
China, which has eclipse records dating back more than 4,000 years, believed a celestial dragon devoured the sun.

— lee roop, AL.com, "Solar eclipse 2017: Eclipse legends and omens," 9 Aug. 2017
Cersei Lannister needs some anti-dragon air defenses.

— william gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, "The Real History of the Ballista, Game of Thrones' New Dragon-Killing Weapon," 28 July 2017
No wonder that many of his countrymen are placing high hopes on the great dragon peering down from the north.

— The Economist, "The pushmi-pullyuWhat makes Pakistan so unfathomable," 22 July 2017
The animals include snakes, rabbits, chinchillas, bearded dragons, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and fish, said Toni Bianchi, director of the Porter County Animal Shelter.

— amy lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Portage-area pet store owner arrested; 3 dogs, 100 exotic animals confiscated," 17 July 2017
Dany also has the backing of Houses Tyrell and Martell, united in their Lannister loathing, as well as air support from her three DC-10-size dragons.

— jeremy egner, The Seattle Times, "As ‘Game of Thrones’ returns, here’s where we left off," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dragon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dragon

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

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Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

DRAGON Defined for English Language Learners

dragon

noun

Definition of dragon for English Language Learners

: an imaginary animal that can breathe out fire and looks like a very large lizard with wings, a long tail, and large claws

DRAGON Defined for Kids

dragon

noun drag·on \ ˈdra-gən \

Definition of dragon for Students

:an imaginary animal usually pictured as a huge serpent or lizard with wings and large claws

Learn More about dragon

See words that rhyme with dragon Spanish Central: Translation of dragon Nglish: Translation of dragon for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dragon

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dragon

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dragonish

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dragon

Definition of dragon for English Language Learners

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