ghostly

adjective

ghost·​ly ˈgōst-lē How to pronounce ghostly (audio)
ghostlier; ghostliest
1
: of or relating to the soul : spiritual
2
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost : spectral
ghostliness noun
ghostly adverb

Examples of ghostly in a Sentence

A ghostly figure appears in the house at night.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Threading together hyperspeed drums and a ghostly ambience, Balenci creates a sort of supernatural drill. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 28 Feb. 2025 While Banderas is entertaining playing multiple roles as Hunter and his many ghostly ancestors, Olivia Colman gives the movie’s standout performance as the Reverend Mother of the bear retirement home from which Aunt Lucy vanished. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 The blue-gray color palette — and a ghostly blanket of fog — accents the film’s existential deadpan as the trio head to Istanbul for hair transplant surgery. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 Subplots involving Chief’s crush on Sarah and the setup for a potential collusion charge against the Mayor add interest, but feel like the ghostly remnants of story drafts past as both scenarios contain little payoff. Courtney Howard, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ghostly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ghostly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ghostly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghostly. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ghostly

adjective
ghost·​ly ˈgōst-lē How to pronounce ghostly (audio)
ghostlier; ghostliest
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost
ghostliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ghostly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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