Dracula

[drak-yuh-luh]

noun

1. (italics),  a novel (1897) by Bram Stoker.

2. Count, the central character in this novel: the archetype of a vampire.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dracula¹

Origin uncertain; perhaps from Romanian Drăculea, a diminutive or patronymic of drăcul “the dragon,” and derived from a knightly order called the “Order of the Dragon” ( Ordo Draconum ), founded in 1408 by the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund ( 1368–1437 ), then king of Hungary, to defend Christianity and the Empire against the Ottoman Turks. After Vlad II Dracul (c. 1395–1447 ) was admitted to the order around 1431, he wore the dragon emblem of the order. Later, when Vlad II was prince of Wallachia (now part of Romania), his coinage bore the image of the dragon, from which the name Dracula is derived. Vlad II’s son, Vlad III (Vlad Ţepeş “Vlad the Impaler,” c.1431–c.1476 ) is most likely the model for the Bram Stoker character. dragon

Example Sentences

He would then cast aside his Dracula cape to sing a personal theme song, “Sweet Transvestite.”

From Los Angeles Times

If you were to dissect the pivotal memories that shaped Khondji’s creative mind, the array of touchstones would include a photograph of Christopher Lee as Dracula that his brother would bring him from London.

From Los Angeles Times

The high-top wrestling-style sneakers worn with the green cargos and the yellow “Dracula” cross body messenger bag.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus the jokester hasn’t directed a movie since 1995’s “Dracula: Dead and Loving It.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite often pulling double duty, Benton told The Times he saw himself “like Dracula — I don’t leave a trace in the mirror,” and said he is “shaped by who I collaborate with.”

From Los Angeles Times