creature

noun

crea·​ture ˈkrē-chər 

1

: something created either animate or inanimate: such as

a

: an animal that is not a human being

wild creatures of the forest

b

: a human being

He's a social creature.

The poor creature has had a hard life.

I'm a creature of habit; I like my routine.

c

: a being of anomalous or uncertain aspect or nature

creatures of fantasy

2

: one that is the servile dependent or tool of another : instrument

creatural

ˈkrē-chə-rəl 

adjective

creaturehood

ˈkrē-chər-ˌhu̇d 

noun

creatureliness

ˈkrē-chər-lē-nəs 

noun

creaturely

ˈkrē-chər-lē 

adjective

Synonyms of creature

• animal

Examples of creature in a Sentence

rabbits, squirrels, and other furry creatures

Few living creatures can survive without water.

a giant hairy apelike creature

She's a creature of rare beauty.

A social creature by nature, he loves working with people.

The poor creature had no way to get home.

Recent Examples on the Web

This live-action adaptation expands the story of the titular curmudgeonly creature who hopes to ruin Christmas for the happy citizens of Whoville, giving us a glimpse into his tragic childhood and adding new characters. —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 2025

Perhaps this movie, with its mean but oddly therapeutic crow creature, will offer some viewers a certain kind of comfort. —Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025

First, when Will’s mother, Joyce (Winona Ryder), confronts a Demogorgon with an axe, Will sees through its eyes — and the creature appears to back off. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

This enlargement would have allowed these ancient creatures to coordinate the complex sensory and motor information involved in powered movement. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin creātūra "act of bringing into being, something brought into being," from Latin creātus, past participle of creāre "to beget, give birth to, create entry 1" + -ūra

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing creature

• creature comfort

Rhymes for creature

• bleacher
• feature
• preacher
• reacher
• teacher
• schoolteacher

Kids Definition

creature

noun

crea·​ture ˈkrē-chər 

1

: a created being

2

a

: a lower animal

b

: individual sense 2