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
Dragon : draco
5
: something or someone formidable or baneful

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.
The white clapboard exterior topped with typical Norse dragon heads was taken back into the family in 1995 by Haeger’s great great granddaughter Ellika Modenfelt, who painstakingly restored it to its former glory with the help of local craftsmen. — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026 The restaurant’s most popular dishes are its dragon roll, Lion King roll, unagi roll and King Kong roll, according to Yelp. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Choose from a range of cute animals on the hood, including a unicorn, dragon and duck, to make for wildly adorable photos. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Ever since, witches, wizards, and dragons have bored me silly. — Griffin Dunne, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026 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 1 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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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