griffon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical (for mythological creature); Neutral (for dog breed)
Quick answer
What does “griffon” mean?
A breed of small terrier-like dog with a wiry coat, or a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of small terrier-like dog with a wiry coat, or a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
Can refer to the Brussels Griffon (dog breed), or less commonly to a type of large vulture (the griffon vulture). In mythology, the griffon is a guardian of treasure and a symbol of strength and vigilance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: Both regions use 'griffon' for the dog and the vulture, though 'griffin' is an alternative spelling for the mythical creature more common in the US.
Connotations
Similar in both regions, but the dog breed is perhaps slightly more familiar in the UK due to historical breeding.
Frequency
The dog breed is a low-frequency term in both; the mythical creature is slightly better known.
Grammar
How to Use “griffon” in a Sentence
[The/Our] griffon [verb: barked, guarded, soared].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “griffon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective use]
American English
- [No standard adjective use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Only in specific contexts like a company mascot or brand name.
Academic
Used in studies of mythology, medieval history, heraldry, or cynology (dog breeding).
Everyday
Primarily used by dog enthusiasts or in discussions of fantasy genres.
Technical
Used in zoology for 'Gyps fulvus' (griffon vulture) and in dog breed standards.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “griffon”
- Confusing 'griffon' (dog/vulture) with 'griffin' (more common spelling for the myth).
- Assuming it refers only to the mythical creature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Griffon' is the preferred spelling for the dog breed and the vulture. 'Griffin' is the more common spelling for the mythical creature, though they are often used interchangeably.
Brussels Griffons can be good family pets but are sensitive and may not suit very young children. They thrive on companionship.
The creature originates in ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean mythology, later adopted into Greek and medieval European lore.
No. Griffon vultures are scavengers, not predators, and pose no threat to live humans.
A breed of small terrier-like dog with a wiry coat, or a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
Griffon is usually formal/technical (for mythological creature); neutral (for dog breed) in register.
Griffon: in British English it is pronounced ˈɡrɪfən, and in American English it is pronounced ˈɡrɪfən. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'griffon']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Griffin (mythical creature) guarding a gift on a pillow; the gift is a tiny Brussels Griffon dog.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUARDIAN IS A GRIFFON (drawing on its mythological role).
Practice
Quiz
In modern usage, 'griffon' most commonly refers to: