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

Through the power of Eywa – the divine force of Pandora – Kiri and Spider help summon colossal ocean creatures that aid the Na’vi in winning the battle against the humans. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

For starters, visitors can view the majestic creatures in the spring water from a boardwalk and observation platform. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025

This set perfectly captures that freeing sense of wonder with two Ikrans, the accompanying riders (Jake and Neytiri) and a big-enough rock formation to place both of the creatures on. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025

Don't let the PG rating on the poster fool you, this classic creature feature led to the creation of the PG-13 distinction. —Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 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