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 of creepy

• eerie
• haunting

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

Well, the one who wouldn’t let a creepy old man buy her cough drops knows what is up, but State Farm is doomed. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 July 2026

To embody the creepy character, the Oscar winner’s strawberry blonde hair appeared to be multiple shades darker, akin to an auburn hue, while a fresh set of fringe grazes her brow bone. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026

Nolan adds his signature intensity to the cop drama, benefitted by one of Williams' creepiest performances. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026

The new series, which debuted July 9 on Netflix, also has the endorsement of Arngrim, who made an unexpected cameo in the second episode, portraying a creepy woman that Laura (Alice Halsey) and her big sister Mary (Skywalker Hughes) encounter. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026

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
• 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