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
• eery
• haunting
• spookish
• spooky
• uncanny
• unearthly
• weird

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

She's abruptly fired from her exercise show when her creepy boss (Dennis Quaid) decides to hunt for younger talent to be the face of the series. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025

And the relatives are creepy, even by Mayfair standards. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025

While creepy crawlers seeping in your home can be inevitable, there are a few precautionary tips Ideal Partners gives homeowners. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025

As a result of this week’s task that includes creepy dolls, lullabies and the debut of Tom Sandoval’s singing career, the group earns $20,000 for the prize pot. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 13 Feb. 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

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