McGonagall

British

/ məˈɡɒnəɡəl /

noun

William. 1830–?1902, Scottish writer of doggerel, noted for its bathos, repetitive rhymes, poor scansion, and ludicrous effect

"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

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.

Between “Downton” and Professor McGonagall an adoring public saw in Smith an endlessly entertaining, tippling grandmother and that endearing teacher who balanced strictness with caring.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2024

The Oscar-winning actor, known for her roles as Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey’ and no-nonsense Professor McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, died Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

“But mention The Great McGonagall in his hometown and reactions range from a fond chuckle to pained silence.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2022

JK Rowling used his name for Hogwarts' Prof Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2020

Harry barely understood half of what Professor McGonagall said to them these days; even Hermione had had to ask her to repeat instructions once or twice.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023