Godzilla

American  

[god-zil-uh] / gɒdˈzɪl ə /

Trademark.

1. a science-fiction monster that resembles an enormous bipedal lizard, featured in Japanese and American films, television, and comic books.

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Etymology

Origin of Godzilla

1950–55; an Anglicized version of the Japanese name Gojira < Japanese gorira gorilla + kujira whale

Compare meaning

How does godzilla compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Godzilla vs. Gargantua

Example Sentences

Most Godzilla tales present slightly different interpretations of a mythology that began with the first “Godzilla” released in 1954.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

With a single, in-block cam, one timing chain and two valves per cylinder, Godzilla is so primitive it’s practically primeval.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

It turns out the Randa family legacy is intertwined with Godzilla as well as Monarch, a secret organization dedicated to studying the giant monsters known as Titans.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

Godzilla rising from the surfer-filled waters of Hermosa Beach?

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

As Godzilla trotted away with his prize, I said to Abbey, “Check out his tail.”

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen