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Definition of snapdragon

snapdragon

/ˈsnæpˌdræɡ.ən/
snap · drag · on
Plural:snapdragons
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snapdragon Lexical Profile

snapdragon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various herbaceous plants of the genus Antirrhinum (especially A. majus), native to the Mediterranean region, widely cultivated in gardens for their tall spikes of brightly colored, two-lipped flowers that resemble a dragon's face.

Example

"We planted a vibrant border of snapdragons and marigolds along the front walkway to attract summer pollinators."

Photo by James St. John / CC BY 2.0
2

British A traditional winter parlor game, popular in England from the 16th to the 19th century, in which players attempt to snatch raisins from a bowl of burning brandy and eat them while still alight.

Example

"In Agatha Christie's novel, the characters gather in a darkened room on Christmas Eve to play a thrilling and slightly dangerous game of snapdragon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for snapdragon

• Nearby Words

snap pea
snap peas
snapback
snapdragon
snappable
snapper
snappily

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century by combining 'snap' and 'dragon', a descriptive name reflecting the flower's resemblance to a dragon's face and its ability to 'snap' open and shut like a mouth when squeezed laterally.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Snapdragon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/snapdragon
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