What does "griffin" mean?
A mythical beast having the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
Griffin
/ˈɡɹɪf.ɪn/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A mythical beast having the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
- Grammar: griffin is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: gryphon, achievement, annulet, armory.
- Useful contrasts: living creature, real animal.
- Usage evidence: No overseas adoptions yet? What kind of celebrity are you, anyway? Go sit at the kid's table with Kathy Griffin and Gary Busey!
How to use "griffin"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "griffin" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "griffin" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "griffin" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "griffin" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "griffin" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "gryphon" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "griffin", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A mythical beast having the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
- 2 winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion wordnet
- 3 A griffon vulture, a large vulture (Gyps fulvus) found in the mountainous parts of Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor, supposed to be the "eagle" of the Bible.
- 4 An English variety of apple.
- 5 A person who has just arrived from Europe. India, dated
"Tables were laid out in the palace, profusely covered with wines and refreshments, in the European style; old hands and griffins, fair sex and civilians, seemed all determined to enjoy themselves[…]"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A cadet newly arrived in British India: half English, half Indian.
- 7 A watchful guardian, especially a duenna in charge of a young woman.
Proper Noun
- 1 An Irish surname, an anglicization of Ó Gríobhtha or Ó Grifín
- 2 A surname from Welsh [in turn originating as a patronymic].
- 3 A male given name from Welsh derived from Griffinus, a latinized form of Gruffudd.
- 4 A male given name from Cornish derived from Gryffyn, of relation to the Welsh name.
- 5 A female given name. rare
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 A place name:; A community in Saskatchewan, Canada.
- 7 A place name:; A rural municipality in south-east Saskatchewan, which includes the community; in full, the Rural Municipality of Griffin No. 66.
- 8 A place name:; A place in the United States:; A township in Pope County, Arkansas.
- 9 A place name:; A place in the United States:; A city, the county seat of Spalding County, Georgia, named for landowner Col. Lewis Lawrence Griffin.
- 10 A place name:; A place in the United States:; A former settlement in Wabash Township, Clark County, Illinois.
- 11 A place name:; A place in the United States:; A town in Bethel Township, Posey County, Indiana; named for postmaster Samuel Griffin.
- 12 A place name:; A place in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Christian County, Missouri.
- 13 A place name:; A suburb in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia; named for a family of early settlers.
Antonyms
living creaturereal animal
Example
"No overseas adoptions yet? What kind of celebrity are you, anyway? Go sit at the kid's table with Kathy Griffin and Gary Busey!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "griffin"?
Common synonyms include: gryphon, achievement, annulet, armory, arms, azure.
How do you use "griffin" in a sentence?
No overseas adoptions yet? What kind of celebrity are you, anyway? Go sit at the kid's table with Kathy Griffin and Gary Busey!
How do you pronounce "griffin"?
Pronounced /ˈɡɹɪf.ɪn/.
Etymology
From Middle English griffoun, from Old French griffon, from Late Latin grȳphus, from Classical Latin grȳps, from Ancient Greek γρῡ́ψ (grū́ps).