dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdra-gən 

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

ˈdra-gə-nish 

adjective

Examples of dragon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adorning The Siam waterfront are the upscale Chon Thai Restaurant, the outdoor pool area, and wooden deck with al fresco bar and landing for the hotel’s own dragon boat, which ferries guests up and down the Chao Phraya. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

As the American eagle and Chinese dragon clash over tariffs that burned more than $10 trillion in global wealth, some are declaring the death of globalization. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

From family-friendly fun to superheroic adventure to dinosaurs and dragons, read on for PEOPLE's 2025 summer movie guide. —Jack Smart, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

For the kids who aren't quite ready for GOT but love dragons and magic, check this one out. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing dragon

• dragon fruit
• dragon lady
• dragon's blood
• dragon's teeth
• green dragon
• Komodo dragon

Rhymes for dragon

• agone
• lagan
• waggon
• wagon
• anlagen
• bandwagon
• snapdragon

Kids Definition

dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdrag-ən 

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