creepy

adjective

ˈkrē-pē 

creepier; creepiest

1

: producing a nervous shivery apprehension

a creepy horror story

also : eerie

2

: of, relating to, or being a creep : annoyingly unpleasant

a creepy old man

creepily

ˈkrē-pə-lē 

adverb

creepiness

ˈkrē-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• eerie
• haunting
• eery

Examples of creepy in a Sentence

There's something creepy about that guy.

a fascinating but creepy stage show by an offbeat magician

Recent Examples on the Web

Although Cheol-su and Young-hee may forever be known to the world as giant, creepy animatronic dolls, they’re based on fictional characters found in old Korean language textbooks. —Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The latest trailer incorporates personal outtakes of Franco and Brie’s love story interspersed with creepy stills from the film. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 July 2025

Most of the figurines feature wide eyes, pointed ears and nine sharp teeth that form a creepy smile. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 5 July 2025

That film, directed by Emmy-winning Johan Renck, starred Adam Sandler and the vocal talents of Paul Dano as the creepy extraterrestrial spider. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see creep entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing creepy

• creepy crawler
• creepy-crawly

Rhymes for creepy

• sleepy
• praecipe
• principe

Kids Definition

creepy

adjective

ˈkrē-pē 

creepier; creepiest

: having or producing a sensation as of insects creeping on the skin

especially : eerie

creepily

-pə-lē 

adverb

creepiness noun