snapdragon

noun

snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdra-gən How to pronounce snapdragon (audio)
: any of a genus (Antirrhinum of the family Plantaginaceae, the plantain family) of herbs having showy tubular flowers with two-lipped coronas
especially : a widely cultivated one (A. majus) of Mediterranean origin having usually pink, red, yellow, or white flowers

Illustration of snapdragon

Illustration of snapdragon

Examples of snapdragon 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.
Provide ample light during germination to ensure your snapdragon seeds thrive. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026 This plant produces attractive snapdragon-like, rose-purple, pink, or white flowers from July to September. Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026 Other cold-hardy edibles and ornamentals like spring onions, peas, kohlrabi, root vegetables, petunias, cosmos, bachelor buttons, forget-me-nots, foxglove, snapdragons, and nasturtiums are also appropriate for winter sowing. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 14 Feb. 2026 Fay said garden staff would prioritize colorful annuals, like snapdragons, and winter greens, like cabbages, kale and mustard. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snapdragon

Word History

Etymology

from the fancied resemblance of the flowers to the face of a dragon

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snapdragon was in 1573

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Cite this Entry

“Snapdragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snapdragon. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

snapdragon

noun
snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdrag-ən How to pronounce snapdragon (audio)
: a widely grown herb having showy usually pink, red, white, or yellow two-lipped flowers

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