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 of creepy

• eerie
• haunting

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

Soon, readers unsatisfied with Stoker’s version of events can chat to Renfield and hear that creepy familiar react in real time. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Early reviews put it in the category of useful but slightly creepy. — Hayden Field, The Verge, 28 Sep. 2026

The team’s creepiest and most contented member is Xavier Von Erck (Matthew Maher), an online vigilante who arranges the show’s meetups, spending his days and nights fishing around in online chat rooms. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026

Below, shop our top picks to enjoy fall without the season’s creepy crawlies, starting at $4. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

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
• 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