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

• eerie
• haunting
• eery

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

This handsome pup make Jeoseung saja Jinu look more cuddly than creepy. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

The Ring is horrifying, but the Japanese original is even creepier on a deep psychological level. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025

Special shout-out to Lupita Nyong'o, whose dual-role performance wins her the creepy crown, hands down. —Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025

The good news is there's horror fare to fit those tastes that avoids tired tropes, is more thoughtful than creepy, and eases a new generation of fans into a beloved genre without causing psychological damage or necessitating a night light. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025

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
• praecipe
• 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