noun
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(in folklore) a giant, usually given to eating human flesh
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any monstrous or cruel person
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
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:
Explanation
An ogre is a big, ugly monster. In many myths and fairytales, ogres are giant, unintelligent, human-like creatures that eat people. However, the ogre Shrek comes off as a right jolly fellow. The grotesque, awkwardly large ogre has been a figure in mythology for many years, a close relation to evil giants and other frightening creatures. In many stories, ogres eat babies, and they're usually quite ugly, with strangely colored skin, large heads, and strong bodies. The word ogre is also sometimes used to describe despicable, evil people. Ogre comes from the French, coined by the French fairy tale writer, Charles Perrault.
Vocabulary lists containing ogre
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.
After World War II, Franco was regarded as the “primary resident ogre of Western Europe.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025
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 • Aug. 12, 2025
You’ll get “Shrek 5” where Shrek’s ogre offspring use TikTok, and you’ll like it.
From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025
Who knew watching a fairy tale based on an ogre living in a dark swamp could be so thrilling?
From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024
I look at the throng of revelers, trying to build up the daring of someone who would rob an ogre right under his nose.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
