Frankenstein

noun

Fran·​ken·​stein ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌstīn How to pronounce Frankenstein (audio)
also -ˌstēn
Synonyms of Frankensteinnext
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
… a monster from the spare parts bin, an automotive Frankenstein …—Buzz Forham
especially : a work or agency that ruins its originator
Frankensteinian
ˌfraŋ-kən-ˈstī-nē-ən How to pronounce Frankenstein (audio)
-ˈsti-
adjective

Examples of Frankenstein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This doesn’t mean that a film like The Curse of Frankenstein doesn’t say anything about Britain. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025 The Tribune likened the spectacle to Veeck’s version of Frankenstein’s monster. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026 This Frankenstein of models got the best score of the bunch, six or seven out of 10. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Emphasizing their versatility, Evans likes to see the Frankenstein sandal-heel hybrid paired with trousers and a mini summer dress. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Frankenstein

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Frankenstein was in 1818

Rhymes for Frankenstein

See All Rhymes for Frankenstein

Browse Nearby Words

Frankeniaceae
Frankenstein
Frankensteinian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frankenstein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Frankenstein. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Frankenstein

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Frankenstein

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