dragon
UK: ˈdræɡən | US: ˈdræɡən
n. a mythical, fire-breathing reptile often depicted with wings and a serpentine or lizard-like body
n. (figurative) a fiercely intimidating or watchful person
n. (heraldry) a stylized reptilian creature used as a symbol
The word "dragon" traces back to the Greek drakōn (δράκων), meaning "serpent" or "sharp-sighted one," derived from derkesthai ("to see clearly"). This reflects the creature’s mythical role as a vigilant guardian. Latin borrowed it as draco, which Old French adapted into dragon, later entering Middle English as "dragon." The morpheme drag- preserves the original Greek root’s sense of "seeing" or "watching," while -on acts as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the word’s meaning expanded from a literal serpent to a symbolic embodiment of power and danger.
The knight bravely faced the dragon guarding the treasure.
Her strict teacher was nicknamed "the dragon" by students.
The Welsh flag features a red dragon as its emblem.
Ancient maps often marked uncharted territories with drawings of dragons.
In many cultures, dragons symbolize both destruction and wisdom.