Dracula

[ drak-yuh-luh ]

/ ˈdræk yə lə /

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noun

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

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

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Origin of Dracula

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. Cf. dragon

Words nearby Dracula

dracone, Draconian, draconic, draconic month, Draconid, Dracula, Dracula, Count, Dracut, draegerman, draff, draft

How to use Dracula in a sentence

Striking perhaps even closer to home was Stoker’s 1897 “Dracula,” which took the already sexually charged archetype of the vampire out of the distant hinterlands of Central Europe and transported him to London.
‘Queer for Fear’ reveals that horror has always been queer|John Paul King|October 13, 2022|Washington Blade
Of the holy trinity of monsters—Dracula, Frankenstein, and Wolfman—I was always for the Wolfman.
How Marlon James Is Rewriting the Rules of Fantasy Fiction|Elijah Wolfson|February 15, 2022|Time
In this Netflix original, which is based on the popular video-game franchise of the same name, a vampire hunter resolves to protect his city from Dracula’s deadly rage.
10 noteworthy anime series to stream, whether you’re a longtime fan or first-time viewer|Bethonie Butler|July 8, 2021|Washington Post
Tinkering with spelling for humorous effect is optional, as in “Dracula” and “vernacula,” as the late ace limerician Hugh Thirlway has done.
Get your ’rick rolling: Style Invitational limerick guide|Pat Myers (Empress of The Style Invitational)|June 16, 2021|Washington Post

That was what I liked: the idea that they find that ship, and like in Dracula there is a coffin on board, in the cargo.
Vampires without Glitter or Girl Problems: Inside Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Strain’|Andrew Romano|July 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The first on-set memory she is certain of came two years later in Dracula.
The Next Great Coppola|Caryn James|May 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Just like Dracula, Bill Compton, and Edward Cullen, adult ticks live vampirically on mammalian blood.
Cases of New Tick-Borne Illness, Heartland Virus, Grow|Kent Sepkowitz|April 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Dracula was a great moment for Keanu, in my view, and I will take no prisoners on that.
Tilda Swinton Blasts Putin at SXSW, Discusses ‘Only Lovers Left Alive’ and ‘My Cousin’ David Bowie|Marlow Stern|March 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Dracula feeds on a human, the blood sucking is more graphic than on True Blood, even.
NBC’s ‘Dracula’ Sure Is Sexy, But It Isn’t Scary|Kevin Fallon|October 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Of course, all vampires live to a strange lease on life, but most of them are spirits rather than human beings as was Dracula.
The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction|Dorothy Scarborough
The count, in Dracula, who has lived his vampire life for centuries, is said to be hale and fresh as if he were forty.
The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction|Dorothy Scarborough
She had a dread feeling that Cecil might be able to crawl over the sheer face of a building, like "Dracula."
Shadows of Flames|Amelie Rives
It is only a line dated from Castle Dracula, and says that he is just starting for home.
Dracula|Bram Stoker
I am Dracula; and I bid you welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house.
Dracula|Bram Stoker