Komodo dragon

[ kuh-moh-doh ]

noun

1. a monitor lizard, Varanus komodoensis, of certain Indonesian islands E of Java, that grows to a length of 10 feet (3 meters): the largest lizard in the world; now rare.

Komodo dragon

/ kəˈməʊdəʊ /

noun

1. the largest monitor lizard, Varanus komodoensis, of Komodo and other East Indian islands: grows to a length of 3 m (about 10 ft) and a weight of 135 kilograms (about 300 lbs.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Komodo dragon¹

First recorded in 1925–30; named after Komodo, Indonesian island, its principal range

Example Sentences

Mosasaurs weren't dinosaurs, but giant marine lizards, relatives of today's Komodo dragons and anacondas, which ruled the oceans 66 million years ago, during the era of Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops.

From Science Daily

Documented examples have included California condors, Komodo dragons and yellow-bellied water snakes.

From Seattle Times

“The visual image of him getting eaten by a Komodo dragon is pretty satisfying,” said Ms. Calman, who donated $25 for the rat option.

From New York Times

The Komodo dragon kills prey with a combination of nasty venom and lacerating teeth that dispatch that venom speedily into the victim's flesh.

From National Geographic

It was during our spirited debate of who would win in a fight to the death — a Komodo dragon or a hippopotamus — that I knew this.

From Los Angeles Times