snapdragon

noun

snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdra-gən How to pronounce snapdragon (audio)
: any of a genus (Antirrhinum of the family Scrophulariaceae, the snapdragon family) of herbs having showy bilabiate flowers
especially : a widely cultivated one (A. majus) of Mediterranean origin having usually pink, red, yellow, or white flowers

Illustration of snapdragon

Illustration of snapdragon

Examples of snapdragon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bouquet has 15 stems with a variety of blooms and greens, including roses, snapdragons, poppies, and daisies. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 1 July 2024 Build these artificial flowers that range from roses, poppies, daises and snapdragons to add to your favorite vessel. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 11 Oct. 2023 Those best purchased as transplants include rudbeckia, snapdragons, cleome, stock, strawflowers, globe amaranth, tithonia, asters and amaranth. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2024 In the nearby greenhouse (about a 10-minute drive away), some of the staffers tend to the flowers—like lantanas and snapdragons—while others work the retail side. Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for snapdragon 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'snapdragon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the fancied resemblance of the flowers to the face of a dragon

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snapdragon was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near snapdragon

Cite this Entry

“Snapdragon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snapdragon. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

snapdragon

noun
snap·​drag·​on ˈsnap-ˌdrag-ən How to pronounce snapdragon (audio)
: a widely grown herb having showy usually pink, red, white, or yellow two-lipped flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on snapdragon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!