ghostly

adjective

ghost·​ly ˈgōst-lē 

ghostlier; ghostliest

1

: of or relating to the soul : spiritual

2

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost : spectral

ghostliness noun

ghostly adverb

Examples of ghostly in a Sentence

A ghostly figure appears in the house at night.

Recent Examples on the Web

The street, still full of equipment and plastic water bottles, felt quiet and ghostly. — Sarah Shanfield, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

The experience of pilgrimage became a ritual, and there’s a ghostly quality to these pictures. — Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The piece follows the fall of the notorious libertine, a reckless womanizer, ignoring many supernatural warnings until a ghostly stone attempts to have its way with his soul. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

When Lydia’s sister, Claudine, becomes Odette’s new stepmother, a ghostly presence emerges in the house — spurring a story about grief and motherhood. — Chloe Gong, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ghostly

• mostly

Kids Definition

ghostly

adjective

ghost·​ly ˈgōst-lē 

ghostlier; ghostliest

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost

ghostliness noun