snapdragon

noun

snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdra-gən 

: 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

Examples of snapdragon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The high snapdragons dragged their heads along the bottom of his truck. — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

When the larger dahlias are in bloom, the snapdragons will be fading a bit, and can be trimmed back if needed. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

As an alternative, snapdragons have a very similar appearance to foxglove. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026

Foxgloves, delphiniums, snapdragons, lupins, stock, lavender, sage and penstemon provide vertical accents that contrast with and highlight the roses’ round blooms. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2026

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

Rhymes for snapdragon

• anlagen
• bandwagon
• agone
• dragon
• lagan
• waggon
• wagon
• procollagen

Kids Definition

snapdragon

noun

snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdrag-ən 

: a widely grown herb having showy usually pink, red, white, or yellow two-lipped flowers