snapdragon
Americannoun
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any plant belonging to the genus Antirrhinum, of the figwort family, especially A. majus, cultivated for its spikes of showy flowers, each having a corolla supposed to resemble the mouth of a dragon.
noun
Etymology
Origin of snapdragon
Explanation
Some snapdragon flowers are a solid color, and others have two colors, but they all resemble a dragon's head. Snapdragons tend to grow in North America, North Africa, and some rocky areas of Europe, coming in colors ranging from white to yellow to pinks and reds. When you squeeze the sides of a snapdragon flower, the "mouth" opens and closes, making it a fun plant for kids. As a garden plant name, snapdragon dates from the 16th century. In the 18th century, it was also the name of a game (now obsolete) that involved eating raisins after snatching them out of burning brandy.
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.
Danish international Dreyer -- the newly named MLS Newcomer of the Year -- opened and closed the scoring while Norway's Pellegrino added a goal in each half at Snapdragon Stadium in Southern California.
From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025
The Snapdragon deal has helped them leapfrog back above Liverpool in terms of commercial revenue.
From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025
The ensuing play failed, and the Reign lost 2-1 to NJ/NY Gotham FC at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2023
Megan Rapinoe entered the postgame news conference in the bowels of Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday wearing a walking boot on her right leg and a pained smile on her face.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2023
The Russians cultivate the Snapdragon for the oil yielded by its seeds.
From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas
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.
