# dragon

/ˈdɹæɡən/ (US) · /dɹˈæɡən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dragon
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. mythical creature

noun · CEFR A2

a large, imaginary animal that looks like a lizard, has wings, and breathes fire.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. fierce person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person, especially a woman, who is very strict, scary, or easily angered.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. symbol of China

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

a name used to represent the country or power of China.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. Chinese zodiac

noun · CEFR B1

the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. real lizard

noun · CEFR B1

a type of real lizard that looks like a small dragon, such as a Komodo dragon.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. historical weapon

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

an old type of gun with a wide opening at the end.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The brave knight fought the dragon to save the village.
- In many fantasy novels, a dragon guards a massive pile of gold inside a dark mountain cave.
- While Western mythology often portrays the dragon as a malevolent beast to be slain, Eastern traditions frequently view it as a benevolent symbol of power and wisdom.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.