# kraken

/ˈkɹɑkən/ (US) · /kɹˈeɪkən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kraken
Updated: 2026-10-07

## Definition

A giant, mythical sea monster from old Scandinavian stories that looks like an enormous octopus or squid. Sailors believed it could pull whole ships underwater.

For teachers: A legendary sea monster of giant proportions, traditionally depicted as a colossal squid or octopus in Scandinavian folklore.

## Examples

- Legends say the kraken lives deep in the ocean.
- In old stories, sailors fear the kraken because it can wrap its giant tentacles around a ship and pull it down.
- Scandinavian folklore abounds with tales of the kraken, a mythical cephalopod of monstrous proportions capable of capsizing entire vessels and creating whirlpools in its wake.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised as 'the Kraken'.

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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.