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.
Details about the looks for Super Nintendo World, which has a videogame vibe, and Isle of Berk, which is heavy on viking and dragons, were not announced. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 Rhaenyra and Rhaena flee on Syrax as Rhaena watches in horror as the other dragons bite and claw at her own. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, unbeknownst to everyone at Harrenhal and King’s Landing, Aemond’s brother Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) has been reunited with his very much alive dragon, Sunfyre, while Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar, is still MIA. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 The fragile dragon peace doesn’t hold long enough for the Targaryens to sort through their family business. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 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 12 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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