griffin

noun

grif·​fin ˈgri-fən 

variants or griffon or less commonly gryphon

: a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion

Illustration of griffin

Examples of griffin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The counter is decorated with a snarling griffin, its open mouth and lolling tongue pointed at the shop girl. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

The game harps on the idea that there is tension between these elements—how can a hardened warrior care for a fluffy baby griffin? —G Kirilloff, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

This leaves Christopher alone with the griffin, which insists, via a considerable amount of squawking and biting, on returning to the hill. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Wise-eyed tigers, glowing phoenixes, talking kangaroos, and diamond griffins. —Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English griffon, from Anglo-French grif, griffun, from Latin gryphus, from Greek gryp-, gryps

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

griffin

noun

grif·​fin

variants or griffon also gryphon

ˈgrif-ən

: an imaginary animal that is half eagle and half lion

Geographical Definition

Griffin

geographical name

Grif·​fin ˈgri-fən 

city south-southeast of Atlanta in west central Georgia population 23,643

Biographical Definition

Griffin

biographical name

Grif·​fin ˈgri-fən 

Walter Burley 1876–1937 American architect