kraken

American  

[krah-kuhn] / ˈkrɑ kən /

noun

(often initial capital letter)

1. a legendary sea monster causing large whirlpools off the coast of Norway.

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kraken British  

/ ˈkrɑːkən /

noun

1. a legendary sea monster of gigantic size believed to dwell off the coast of Norway

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Usage

Why is kraken trending? On July 23, 2020, searches for kraken increased 4,782% compared to the previous week after the National Hockey League (NHL) announced its newest team in Seattle, Washington, will be known as the Kraken.

Etymology

Origin of kraken

From Norwegian

Example Sentences

The team - led by Christine Close, a sculptor based in France - carved a kraken eating a boat as part of the myths and legends theme set by the competition organisers.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

First we find the kraken, then we slay the kraken, then we practice safety in handling seafood, then we learn about parasites and the cooking methods that kill them, then we eat.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2024

I was just so excited to be cast in “Ruby Gillman,” because I was excited to tell my dad that I, too, am a kraken.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

Equal parts rock star, Mad Max, vulnerable boy and vicious kraken, Blackbeard has depths Waititi hasn’t plumbed in a while.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2022

The wind on his cheeks was blowing from the south, and the only banners flying above the remains of Moat Cailin displayed a golden kraken on a field of black.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin