gentle giant

American  

[jen-tl jahy-uhnt] / ˈdʒɛn tl ˈdʒaɪ ənt /

noun

1. a person or animal that may seem intimidating because of great size, strength, talent, influence, etc., but is surprisingly friendly and not aggressive or threatening.

   Don’t be afraid of my huge dog—St. Bernards are gentle giants.

   A towering figure among scientists, she was a gentle giant who made others feel at home as they learned the profession.

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Etymology

Origin of gentle giant

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gentle giant

He called him an "absolute gentle giant of a man and a true 'tiger of the mountains'", in a post that assumed the worst.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026

He called Sherpa an "absolute gentle giant of a man and a true 'tiger of the mountains'", in a post that assumed the worst.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026

"He seemed so warm and friendly - like a gentle giant," Katie said.

From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2025

“As one of the tallest students at Central, you should see him above all the other kids, but he was truly a gentle giant with a quick smile and an easy laugh.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2024

The gentle giant would whimper when he felt him, and thrash his shaggy head from side to side, but not as violently as he had the first time, back at Queenscrown.

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