Frankenstein

noun

Fran·​ken·​stein ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌstīn 

 also  -ˌstēn

1

a

: the title character in Mary W. Shelley's novel Frankenstein who creates a monster that ruins his life

b

: a monster in the shape of a man especially in popularized versions of the Frankenstein story

2

: a monstrous creation

especially : a work or agency that ruins its originator

Frankensteinian

ˌfraŋ-kən-ˈstī-nē-ən 

-ˈsti-

adjective

Examples of Frankenstein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Casting Jerry Lewis as Professor Frink’s father was long overdue, but a less-parodied source than Frankenstein might have served the story better. —Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

In a set of standout musical performances on Saturday Night Live, pop star Chappell Roan channelled the Bride of Frankenstein and debuted a brand-new lesbian country anthem. —Samantha Allen, Them, 3 Nov. 2024

By Corrina Lawson Surprises Abound Inside a Kiwi Crate By James Floyd Kelly Security Pentagon Wants Web Apps to Stop Piracy, for Some Reason By Spencer Ackerman Book Review: Robot Zombie Frankenstein! —Joseph Bien-Kahn, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024

But that has not stopped Deep Fusion from also recreating the former Baron Frankenstein and Doctor Van Helsing for its new Sky doc Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, which dropped yesterday. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1a