dragon
/ˈdræɡən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdræɡən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdra-gən/ (ame, mw)
dragon — noun
- dragonsingular
- dragonsplural
1. in old stories and fantasy books, a giant flying reptile that breathes flames an
in old stories and fantasy books, a giant flying reptile that breathes flames and has sharp claws and a long, powerful tail
Selim painted a green dragon with golden wings for the school art project.
In the old story, a brave knight fights a dragon living in a dark cave.
fights a dragon — typical verb for confronting mythical creatures
Yuki's grandfather told her that in Chinese stories, dragons bring good luck and rain.
The parade had a long red dragon made of cloth and carried by twenty people.
- mythical beast
a more general term for any imaginary animal, not just a dragon
- serpent
often means a snake-like creature; some dragons are shown as serpents, but not all serpents have wings or breathe fire
- wyvern
a specific dragon-like creature from European legends with two legs and a barbed tail, not four legs
用法筆記
In East Asian cultures, dragons are usually wise and helpful creatures that bring good fortune and control the rain — very different from the dangerous, fire-breathing dragons of European stories.
常見錯誤
2. a type of large lizard found in parts of Asia and Australia, the best known bein
a type of large lizard found in parts of Asia and Australia, the best known being the Komodo dragon of Indonesia
The zookeeper told the children that Komodo dragons can weigh as much as a person.
Komodo dragon — the compound noun used for the largest living lizard species
Hoa keeps a bearded dragon as a pet and feeds it fresh vegetables every morning.
Caleb saw a water dragon climb a tree near the river on his trip to Thailand.
The guide explained that some Asian water dragons can change color when they feel scared.
- monitor lizard
the family name for large lizards including the Komodo dragon; more scientific in tone
- goanna
used in Australia for certain monitor lizards, less common in general English
用法筆記
Most often appears in compound names: 'Komodo dragon,' 'bearded dragon,' or 'water dragon.' These are different species, not related to the mythical creature of sense 1. In Taiwan, 科摩多巨蜥 (Komodo dragon) is the standard term.
常見錯誤
3. a term used as an insult toward a woman that others view as bossy, harsh, or fri
a term used as an insult toward a woman that others view as bossy, harsh, or frightening, especially one in a position of authority
The article called the manager a dragon for expecting her team to work hard.
called [someone] a dragon — a pejorative label used with the verb 'call'
Kemi told her brother not to call their aunt a dragon — it is a rude word.
After the principal criticised the teachers, a parent called her a dragon in the school newsletter.
Nila laughed when her friend called the teacher a dragon, but warned her not to repeat it.
- shrew
an old-fashioned, offensive word for a woman who argues a lot; similar in register but even more dated
- battle-axe
an informal, offensive term for a woman seen as aggressive or bossy; similar level of offensiveness
- gentle soul
a kind and calm person, the opposite of a frightening or aggressive one
用法筆記
This sense is considered offensive and old-fashioned. It is most often directed at women in leadership roles. The male equivalent (e.g., calling a man a dragon in this sense) is very rare. Learners should avoid using this word to describe a person.