noun

mandrake

MAND-rayk

Quiz me More like this

Mandrake (noun) means a plant (genus Mandragora) with a forked root that can resemble a human figure, long associated with magic and folklore. Example: “Medieval herbalists believed pulling a mandrake root could cause a deadly scream.”

noun

A plant (genus Mandragora) with a forked root that can resemble a human figure, long associated with magic and folklore.

"Medieval herbalists believed pulling a mandrake root could cause a deadly scream."

In fantasy fiction, a small demon-like plant creature.

"The young wizards learned to repot screaming mandrakes in class."

How to use mandrake

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA real plant famous in folklore for its human-shaped root and magical associations, and a name borrowed by fantasy fiction for a similar plant-creature.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like mandrake.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: mandrakes

Test yourself on “mandrake” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Medieval herbalists believed pulling a _____ root could cause a deadly scream.

Etymology

From Middle English mandrake, altered from mandragora after its ending was mistakenly linked to "dragon" and respelled with "drake."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

mandrake root devil's apples

Rhymes for mandrake

ake take make rake wake cake lake sake bake fake jake Dake

See all rhymes for mandrake →

Frequently asked questions

What does “mandrake” mean?

The word “mandrake” means a plant (genus Mandragora) with a forked root that can resemble a human figure, long associated with magic and folklore. In plain terms, a real plant famous in folklore for its human-shaped root and magical associations, and a name borrowed by fantasy fiction for a similar plant-creature.

How do you pronounce “mandrake”?

“Mandrake” is pronounced MAND-rayk (/ˈmændɹeɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “mandrake” in a sentence?

Here is “mandrake” used in a sentence: “Medieval herbalists believed pulling a mandrake root could cause a deadly scream.”

What part of speech is “mandrake”?

“Mandrake” is a noun.

Where does the word “mandrake” come from?

The word “mandrake” comes from Middle English. From Middle English mandrake, altered from mandragora after its ending was mistakenly linked to "dragon" and respelled with "drake.".

How many meanings does “mandrake” have?

“Mandrake” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plant (genus Mandragora) with a forked root that can resemble a human figure, long associated with magic and folklore.