dragon

noun

drag·​on ˈdra-gən How to pronounce dragon (audio)
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
dragonish
ˈdra-gə-nish How to pronounce dragon (audio)
adjective

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.
Variety has the exclusive first look at a card from the collection featuring a key character in the plot against the dragon Smaug. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 28 July 2026 Characters like his kindly uncle, Ser Gwayne (Freddie Fox), and his beautiful dragon, Tessarion, see the real Daeron. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026 All that the Greens have are Aemond and his massive beast, Vhagar, and young Daeron and his young dragon Tessarion. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Symbolism Historically, dragon-slaying stories portrayed the treasure hoard as the ultimate test of a hero’s character. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 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

Phrases Containing dragon

Rhymes for dragon

See All Rhymes for dragon

Browse Nearby Words

dragoman
dragon
dragon's blood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dragon. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dragon

noun
drag·​on ˈdrag-ən How to pronounce dragon (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on dragon

Nglish: Translation of dragon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dragon

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