noun

Sagan

SAY-guhn

Sagan (noun) means an informal, jokey unit of measurement equal to at least four billion. Example: “The national debt is easily several sagans of dollars, jokes the columnist.”

noun

An informal, jokey unit of measurement equal to at least four billion.

"The national debt is easily several sagans of dollars, jokes the columnist."

How to use Sagan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA humorous, informal unit meaning "an enormous number," referencing Carl Sagan's association with the phrase "billions and billions."

When to use it

Informal and jokey — rarely used in serious or technical writing.

Word forms

Sagans plural, Sagans plural

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The national debt is easily several _____ of dollars, jokes the columnist.

Etymology

Coined from the phrase "billions and billions," popularly (if inaccurately) associated with astronomer Carl Sagan through Johnny Carson's impressions of him.

Rhymes for Sagan

pagan Fagan Hagan Kagan Reagan Flanagan

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Sagan” mean?

The word “Sagan” means an informal, jokey unit of measurement equal to at least four billion. In plain terms, a humorous, informal unit meaning "an enormous number," referencing Carl Sagan's association with the phrase "billions and billions.".

How do you pronounce “Sagan”?

“Sagan” is pronounced SAY-guhn (/ˈseɪɡən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Sagan” in a sentence?

Here is “Sagan” used in a sentence: “The national debt is easily several sagans of dollars, jokes the columnist.”

What part of speech is “Sagan”?

“Sagan” is a noun.