giant

[jahy-uhnt]

noun

1. (in folklore) a being with human form but superhuman size, strength, etc.

2. a person or thing of unusually great size, power, importance, etc.; major figure; legend.

   a giant in her field; an intellectual giant.

3. (often initial capital letter),  any of the Gigantes.

4. Mining.,  monitor.

5. Astronomy.,  giant star.

adjective

1. unusually large, great, or strong; gigantic; huge.

2. greater or more eminent than others.

giant

/ ˈdʒaɪənt /

noun

1. Also (feminine): giantess. a mythical figure of superhuman size and strength, esp in folklore or fairy tales

2. a person or thing of exceptional size, reputation, etc

   a giant in nuclear physics

3. Greek myth any of the large and powerful offspring of Uranus (sky) and Gaea (earth) who rebelled against the Olympian gods but were defeated in battle

4. pathol a person suffering from gigantism

5. astronomy See giant star

6. mining another word for monitor

adjective

1. remarkably or supernaturally large

2. architect another word for colossal

Other Word Forms

• giantlike adjective
• giant-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of giant¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English geant, from Old French, from Latin gigant-, stem of gigās, from Greek Gígās; replacing Old English gigant, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of giant¹

C13: from Old French geant, from Vulgar Latin gagās (unattested), from Latin gigās, gigant-, from Greek

Example Sentences

The Garnet fire burning in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County has come within three miles of a stately grove of giant sequoias.

From Los Angeles Times

The giant “LAX” sign that’s welcomed travelers to the Los Angeles International Airport for the last 25 years is temporarily coming down to make way for major roadway projects.

From Los Angeles Times

The European Commission said on Friday the tech giant had breached competition laws by favouring its own products for displaying online ads, to the detriment of rivals.

From BBC

Grocery retail giant Walmart has warned that tariffs mean it is likely to raise some of its prices soon.

From BBC

The cherished 1939 fantasy has been expanded by generative AI to fit the giant parameters of the Las Vegas immersive venue.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big 
• colossal 
• enormous 
• gargantuan 
• gigantic 
• huge 
• hulking 
• humongous 
• immense 
• jumbo 
• mammoth 
• monstrous 
• vast