ghost story

noun

Updated on: 5 Apr 2018

Definition of ghost story

1 : a story about ghosts

2 : a tale based on imagination rather than fact

See ghost story defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of ghost story from the Web

Gurba’s memoir is a deft fusion of true crime, ghost story and memoir.

— kaite mediatore stover, kansascity, "Myriam Gurba’s ‘Mean’ memoir a tough but rewarding read | The Kansas City Star," 23 Mar. 2018
Mr McMahon, a veteran financial correspondent in China, most recently with the Wall Street Journal, wears his knowledge lightly, whether discussing ghost stories or balance sheets.

— The Economist, "A compelling look at the flaws in the Chinese economy," 22 Mar. 2018
Luis withdrew into monster movies, ghost stories and books.

— christopher borrelli, chicagotribune.com, "How UIC's Luis Alberto Urrea became the literary conscience of the border," 9 Mar. 2018
Moreover, the routine ghost story that the Spierigs spin doesn’t take full advantage of the environment either.

— ben sachs, Chicago Reader, "Film / Paranormal The new horror film Winchester is a missed opportunity," 6 Feb. 2018
Why not dispense with the real throughout and have Rosetta climb out of a pine box and narrate her own ghost story?

— andrea simakis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Play House's bio musical on Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 'Marie and Rosetta,' is packed with history but short on magic (review)," 31 Jan. 2018
His new comic book series from Dark Horse is based on an ancient samurai game called 100 Candles, where samurai soldiers tried to out-do each other's ghost stories.

— sarah rense, Esquire, "Anthony Bourdain's Horror Comic Series About Chefs Sounds Creepy as Hell," 25 Jan. 2018
The sprawling property, located on bluffs overlooking the James River, has been linked to several ghost stories, including one urban legend about a vampire.

— larry bleiberg, USA TODAY, "Visit these cemeteries — before you die," 27 Oct. 2017
Big Class' New Orleans Haunting Supply Co. was open as well, offering clever items (such as costumes for ghosts) for sale, and the ghost story silent auction featured award-winning writers such as Walter Isaacson.

— sue strachan, NOLA.com, "Costumes encouraged, creativity rules at A Dark and Stormy Night," 12 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ghost story.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ghost story

1819

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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GHOST STORY Defined for English Language Learners

ghost story

noun

Definition of ghost story for English Language Learners

: a frightening story about ghosts

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See words that rhyme with ghost story Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ghost story

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ghost story

Definition of ghost story

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