Cthulhu

noun

Cthu·​lhu kə-ˈthü-lü  -ˈtü- 

by author's intention unpronounceable; approximately

ˈḵlu̇-ˌhlü 

: an ancient malevolent monster in the fiction of H. P. Lovecraft that is described as an enormous humanoid figure having wings, claws, and a tentacled face

Examples of Cthulhu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For many others that means spooky season, skeletal decor and the Cthulhu Mythos. — Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Delta Green Delta Green from Arc Dream Publishing remains my favorite Cthulhu Mythos game. — Rob Wieland, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

According to the Cthulhu mythos and all the Lovecraftian lore, there is a kingdom beyond where the ancient gods roam. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Lovecraft's coinage, perhaps meant to suggest chthonic and its source, Greek chthṓn "earth"

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above