giant

gi-ant · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A mythical being of great size and strength, typically humanoid.

  2. 2.

    An unusually large person, animal, or thing.

  3. 3.

    A person of exceptional ability, importance, or achievement.

  4. 4.

    (as adjective) Very large; much bigger than average.

Forms

plural: giants

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gentle giant — a large person with a mild temperament
  • •
    giant leap — a major advancement or achievement
  • •
    giant killer — someone who defeats a much stronger opponent
  • •
    standing on the shoulders of giants — building on the work of predecessors

Related words

Antonyms: dwarf, midget, pygmy
See also: enormous, giants, huge, titan
Synonyms: behemoth, colossus, monster, titan

Etymology

From Old French geant, from Latin gigas (stem gigant-), from Greek gigas ("giant"). In Greek mythology, the Giants were a race of great strength and size who fought the Olympian gods.