ogre

noun

ˈō-gər 

1

: a hideous giant of fairy tales and folklore that feeds on human beings : monster

2

: a dreaded person or object

ogreish

ˈō-g(ə-)rish 

adjective

Synonyms of ogre

• monster

Examples of ogre in a Sentence

The book portrays their father as an ogre who mistreated them.

a horror movie filled with ogres and demons of every description

Recent Examples on the Web

Zendaya, Marcello Hernandez, and Skyler Gisondo will portray the children of the central ogre couple. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026

Hitting theaters next summer, Shrek 5 sees Zendaya joining the voice cast that includes returnees Mike Myers as the titular misunderstood ogre, Murphy as his best pal Donkey and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

Farewell to the search for Prince Charming—the term takes its name from Shrek, the lovable ogre from children’s literature (and Dreamworks Animation). — Jessica Scemama, Vogue, 22 June 2026

Saturday Night Live‘s Marcello Hernández and Superman‘s Skyler Gisondo will voice the ogre couple’s sons, Fergus and Farkle. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, probably ultimately from Latin Orcus, god of the underworld

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ogre

noun

ˈō-gər 

1

: an ugly giant of fairy tales and folklore that eats people

2

: a dreaded person or object

ogreish

ˈō-g(ə-)rish 

adjective