noun
-
(in folklore) a giant, usually given to eating human flesh
-
any monstrous or cruel person
Usage
What does ogre mean? An ogre is a fictional creature usually represented as a mean, ugly humanlike monster or giant who eats people. Ogres have traditionally appeared in fairy tales and legends, but they’re also depicted in modern media, such as fantasy video games and the series of movies starring the character Shrek, who happens to be a friendly ogre. The word ogre is sometimes used in a figurative way as an insult referring to a person who’s cruel, monstrous, ugly, or brutish—or (especially) a combination of these characteristics, as in The boss at my last job was a complete ogre—he had a terrible temper and delighted in harassing and firing people. Such a person can be described with the adjective ogreish (or ogrish). A female ogre can be called an ogress, but this is not commonly used, especially since the word ogre can be used regardless of gender. Example: At the end of this level, you have to battle a huge ogre who’s trying to eat you alive.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
ogreismnoun
-
ogressnoun
-
ogrismnoun
-
ogreishadjective
-
ogrishadjective
-
ogreishlyadverb
-
ogrishlyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of ogre
1705–15; < French; perhaps ≪ Latin Orcus Orcus
Compare meaning
How does ogre compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
An ogre is a big, ugly monster. In many myths and fairytales, ogres are giant, unintelligent, human-like creatures that eat people. However, the ogre Shrek comes off as a right jolly fellow. The grotesque, awkwardly large ogre has been a figure in mythology for many years, a close relation to evil giants and other frightening creatures. In many stories, ogres eat babies, and they're usually quite ugly, with strangely colored skin, large heads, and strong bodies. The word ogre is also sometimes used to describe despicable, evil people. Ogre comes from the French, coined by the French fairy tale writer, Charles Perrault.
Vocabulary lists containing ogre
A Mythical Menagerie
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The roommate described a large man he described as looking like "an ogre" who drove a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche, an unusual vehicle.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
After World War II, Franco was regarded as the “primary resident ogre of Western Europe.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 19, 2025
While stressing that she hasn’t worked so hard in her life, she seems a bit incredulous that Bowman used to be such an ogre on deck.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 17, 2023
DreamWorks is reportedly working to expand the beloved “Shrek” franchise more than a decade after the titular ogre voiced by Mike Myers lumbered onto movie screens in 2001.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2023
Their swords pointed at the ogre, who glared at me, then turned his back and retreated into the dim interior.
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
The latest model had a tendency to mention other creatures as well: raccoons, trolls, ogres and pigeons, to be specific.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
Alongside telling it to avoid platitudes, it said Codex should "never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user's query".
From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2026
These networks -- just like humans, onions, and ogres -- have layers, which makes them tricky to navigate.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024
Sometimes when life is overwhelming, it’s gloomy outside and you’ve had a long week, the best cure is a couple of ogres falling in love and starting a life together.
From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024
There were vampires and witches and ogres and worms that burned.
From "Beowulf: A New Telling" by Robert Nye
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
