Word
dragon
Phoneticsdrag·on, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɹæɡən/
UK/dɹˈæɡən/
Definitions
01mythical creature
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a large, imaginary animal that looks like a lizard, has wings, and breathes fire.
n. a legendary reptilian or serpentine creature, typically depicted with wings and the ability to breathe fire.
“The knight in the story had to fight a giant green dragon to save the village.”
“Medieval folklore often depicted the dragon as a guardian of stolen gold, requiring a hero of exceptional virtue to defeat it.”
02fierce person
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a person, especially a woman, who is very strict, scary, or easily angered.
n. a derogatory term for a formidable, fierce, or unpleasant woman who exerts strict control.
“The new headteacher is a bit of a dragon, so make sure you follow the rules.”
“The office manager was known as a dragon who would reprimand anyone for the slightest clerical error.”
Synonyms
03symbol of China
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary
n. a name used to represent the country or power of China.
n. a metonym for the Chinese empire or the People's Republic of China, reflecting its national symbol.
“Economists often discuss the rise of the dragon when talking about global trade.”
“The geopolitical analyst argued that the dragon's influence in the region would continue to expand over the next decade.”
04Chinese zodiac
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Religion
n. the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar.
n. the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac, associated with power, luck, and strength.
“My brother was born in the year of the dragon, so he thinks he is very lucky.”
“During the Lunar New Year celebrations, those born under the sign of the dragon are said to face a year of significant transformation.”
05real lizard
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a type of real lizard that looks like a small dragon, such as a Komodo dragon.
n. any of various lizards that resemble the mythical creature, particularly those in the family Agamidae or the Komodo dragon.
“We saw a Komodo dragon at the zoo, and it was much bigger than I expected.”
“The bearded dragon is a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts due to its relatively docile nature and manageable size.”
06historical weapon
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Military Archaic · Technical
n. an old type of gun with a wide opening at the end.
n. a historical short-barrelled, large-calibre firearm, often with a flared muzzle, used by cavalry.
“The museum displayed an old dragon used by soldiers hundreds of years ago.”
“The cavalryman carried a dragon hooked to his belt, allowing for a devastating short-range blast during a charge.”
Synonyms
Usage
Commonly used as a metaphor for a person who is fierce or intimidating.
Real-World Examples
“I desired dragons with a profound desire,” fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien once said about his childhood imagination, captivated as he was with the creatures of myth.” “Historically, English has two common words for dragon: dragon, and the now rarely-used, ancient word wyrm.” “Biochemists may have discovered a type of antibiotic that sounds like something out of a fairy tale: It is based on dragon blood.” Etymology
From Middle English dragoun, borrowed from Old French dragon, from Latin dracō(n), from Ancient Greek δράκων (drákōn, “a serpent of huge size, a python, a dragon”), probably from δέρκομαι (dérkomai, “to see clearly”). Mostly displaced Old English draca (whence modern drake)—from the same Latin source, as are Draco, dracone, and dragoon.
Alteration from drag queen.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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