creeper

noun

creep·​er ˈkrē-pər How to pronounce creeper (audio)
1
: one that creeps: such as
a
: a creeping plant
b
: a bird (as of the family Certhiidae) that creeps about on trees or bushes searching for insects
c
: a creeping insect or reptile
2
: any of various devices used for creeping: such as
a
: a fixture with iron points worn on the shoe to prevent slipping
b
: a low wheeled platform for supporting the body when working under an automobile
3
: a usually one-piece garment for a child at the crawling age

Examples of creeper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Wear ice creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Once summer arrives, there is an artificial beach, in the form of Ralph’s Beach by the outside heated pool, or nature trails to follow, designed in partnership with the Wildlife Trust, where the little ones can look out for woodpeckers and tree creepers. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Davie Park filled in some gaps in our list with such goodies as a brown creeper, pine warbler and hairy woodpecker. Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Sid, meanwhile, opted for a vintage linen Cavalli blazer passed down from Chloe’s father, along with Levi’s 502s and a pair of Saint Laurent patent leather creepers. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2024 The sophisticated fragrance packs in notes of tuberose and jasmine, enhanced by unique undertones of the Rangoon creeper plant. Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 Jan. 2024 Notes: Rangoon creeper, tuberose, jasmine bud Sizes: 3.3 oz. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2024 Owls and a small songbird called the brown creeper are among those species that have disappeared, Lovio said. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2023 Religion clings hard to such remote locations, winding its way into deep crevices like a hardy clifftop creeper. Catherine Bray, Variety, 18 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'creeper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near creeper

Cite this Entry

“Creeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creeper. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

creeper

noun
creep·​er ˈkrē-pər How to pronounce creeper (audio)
: one that creeps: as
a
: a creeping plant
b
: a bird that creeps about on trees or bushes searching for insects

Medical Definition

creeper

noun
creep·​er ˈkrē-pər How to pronounce creeper (audio)
1
: a genetic anomaly of the domestic fowl marked by shortening and thickening of the long bones in the heterozygote and completely lethal when homozygous
2

More from Merriam-Webster on creeper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!