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Dryden

American  
[drahyd-n] / ˈdraɪd n /

noun

  1. John, 1631–1700, English poet, dramatist, and critic.


Dryden British  
/ ˈdraɪdən /

noun

  1. John. 1631–1700, English poet, dramatist, and critic of the Augustan period, commonly regarded as the chief exponent of heroic tragedy. His major works include the tragedy All for Love (1677), the verse satire Absalom and Achitophel (1681), and the Essay of Dramatick Poesie (1668)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • Drydenian adjective
  • Drydenic adjective

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.

Dryden had part of her initial police statement read to her, in which she said Milne was "scared to tell me the truth as he was bringing bother to my door again".

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

In the next concert March 25, Handel’s “Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day,“ a setting of poetry by John Dryden, took even fewer risks, at least for anyone with a love for music.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2025

Robert Dryden, a Labour city councillor for the area, said in January that the cancellation came as a "big shock" that would "disappoint lots of people".

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

Mr Dryden, who has attended the event since it first began, told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire the festival lost money last year, but he felt the decision to cancel came "out of the blue".

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

“Yes, the plays were the best. Wonderful ones by Dryden and Shakespeare and Otway.”

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare