ghost story

noun

1
: a story about ghosts
2
: a tale based on imagination rather than fact

Examples of ghost story in a Sentence

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.
These movies commit to the dusty interior decoration and inherent sadness of their ghost stories, but have little feel for the profound interfamily dynamics therein. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025 But make no mistake, this show took its ghost stories seriously, resulting in a fanbase that extended to all ages. Will Harris, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Their favorite activities are arbitrarily assigned (telling ghost stories, picking pumpkins). Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 The ghost story by Samuel Van Grinsven stars Vicky Krieps and Dacre Montgomery. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ghost story

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ghost story was in 1730

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ghost story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghost%20story. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ghost story

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!