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.
Maps were also given to visitors to track down the 10 dragon eggs scattered throughout the downtown area for prizes. — Greg Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 The household guard allows Rhaenyra and Daemon to land their dragons within the walls of the Red Keep. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 On the continent is an elite war college that educates healers, soldiers, scribes, and — most famously — dragon riders. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Komodo dragon tooth marks were also most commonly found on the meatiest parts of Stegodon, while cut marks from the hobbits’ stone tools were found in less choice parts of the animal. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 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 10 Jul. 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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