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.
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 Consider pairing with thrillers like airy purple fountain grass, spiky snapdragons, or canna lilies for a tropical twist. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026 In addition to dahlias, which bloom in late summer, the farm also grows zinnias, sunflowers, snapdragons, cosmos and more. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 June 2026 As an alternative, snapdragons have a very similar appearance to foxglove. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 7 June 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

Rhymes for snapdragon

See All Rhymes for snapdragon

Browse Nearby Words

snap clutch
snapdragon
snape
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Cite this Entry

“Snapdragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snapdragon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on snapdragon

Nglish: Translation of snapdragon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about snapdragon

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