snapdragon
|snap-drag-on|
/ˈsnæpdræɡən/
dragon-like, snapping flower
Etymology
'snapdragon' originates from English as the compound 'snap-dragon', where 'snap' referred to a quick snapping or biting action and 'dragon' referred to a dragon (the flower's two-lobed corolla resembling a dragon's mouth).
'snapdragon' appeared in Early Modern English as the hyphenated form 'snap-dragon' (16th–17th century), used both for the party game and the plant; the hyphenated form gradually merged into the single word 'snapdragon' in modern English.
Initially it could refer to both the fiery party game and the dragon-shaped flower; over time the botanical sense (the plant) became the primary modern meaning, while the game sense became rare or archaic.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a garden plant of the genus Antirrhinum, with brightly colored flowers whose two lobes resemble a dragon's mouth that appears to 'snap' open when squeezed.
The border was planted with tall snapdragon stems in shades of pink and yellow.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an old parlor game (historically called 'snap-dragon') in which players try to snatch raisins or other small objects from a bowl of flaming brandy.
At the holiday gathering they remembered the old custom of playing snapdragon.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/29 16:13