ogre

American  

[oh-ger] / ˈoʊ gər /

noun

1. a monster in fairy tales and popular legend, usually represented as a hideous giant who feeds on human flesh.

2. a monstrously ugly, cruel, or barbarous person.

   Synonyms:

   despot, tyrant, fiend

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ogre British  

/ ˈəʊɡə /

noun

1. (in folklore) a giant, usually given to eating human flesh

2. any monstrous or cruel person

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Usage

What does ogre mean? An ogre is a fictional creature usually represented as a mean, ugly humanlike monster or giant who eats people.Ogres have traditionally appeared in fairy tales and legends, but they’re also depicted in modern media, such as fantasy video games and the series of movies starring the character Shrek, who happens to be a friendly ogre.The word ogre is sometimes used in a figurative way as an insult referring to a person who’s cruel, monstrous, ugly, or brutish—or (especially) a combination of these characteristics, as in The boss at my last job was a complete ogre—he had a terrible temper and delighted in harassing and firing people. Such a person can be described with the adjective ogreish (or ogrish).A female ogre can be called an ogress, but this is not commonly used, especially since the word ogre can be used regardless of gender.Example: At the end of this level, you have to battle a huge ogre who’s trying to eat you alive.

Other Word Forms

• ogreish adjective
• ogreishly adverb
• ogreism noun
• ogress noun
• ogrish adjective
• ogrishly adverb
• ogrism noun

Etymology

Origin of ogre

1705–15; < French; perhaps ≪ Latin Orcus Orcus

Compare meaning

How does ogre compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ogre vs. orc

Example Sentences

After World War II, Franco was regarded as the “primary resident ogre of Western Europe.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The first film, released in 2001, followed the story of an ogre who wants nothing more than to be left alone, but ends up on a quest to rescue a princess trapped in a tower.

From BBC

Eventually – as viewers of the Disney film will know - Belle falls in love with the ogre and discovers he is in fact a prince.

From BBC

I quickly prayed that my master wouldn’t swindle the ogre and get himself yet another death warrant.

From Literature

I would miss the young ogre after all, I thought as I entered the motorized go-cart.

From Literature