boogeyman

noun

boo·​gey·​man ˈbu̇-gē-ˌman How to pronounce boogeyman (audio)
ˈbü-
variants or less commonly boogerman

Examples of boogeyman 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.
For weeks, the New York Ripper case has lurked on the periphery of the series — a boogeyman that the show kept hinting was someone in Dexter’s life. Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 Groups who are easily and historically villainized and scapegoated and turned into cultural boogeymen. Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 Generations have been taught about stranger danger and the unknown boogeyman lurking in the shadows, waiting to commit the most heinous crimes. Kc Baker, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025 From scenes depicting childhood monsters to an inspired take on the boogeyman’s evil lair, this season’s teams create some of the spookiest and most mouthwatering displays yet. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boogeyman

Word History

Etymology

by alteration

First Known Use

circa 1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boogeyman was circa 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Boogeyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boogeyman. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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