dungeon

word

/ˈdəndʒən/
DUHN-juhn
/dˈʌndʒən/
DUHN-juhn

Definition

A dark, underground prison cell, especially in a castle. In modern usage, also refers to dark, confined spaces and is widely used in gaming (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons).

Usage & Nuances

In gaming, 'dungeon' refers to an enclosed area with enemies and treasure to explore. 'Dungeon crawler' is a game genre. 'Dungeon master' (DM) runs the game in D&D. Figuratively, any grim, dark space can be called a dungeon ('this office is a dungeon'). Also used in BDSM contexts.

Example Sentences

The prisoners were locked in the castle dungeon.

basic

The video game has fifty levels of dungeons to explore.

basic

The knight rescued the princess from the dark dungeon.

basic

My basement office has no windows — it feels like working in a dungeon.

natural

We spent hours crawling through dungeons in that RPG looking for rare loot.

natural

The restaurant is in a converted medieval dungeon, which gives it an incredible atmosphere.

natural