creeps; crept
ˈkrɛpt 
; creeping
; creeping
1
: to move slowly with the body close to the ground
A spider was creeping [=crawling] along the bathroom floor.
She crept toward the edge of the roof and looked over.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
a
: to move slowly and quietly especially in order to not be noticed
I caught him creeping down the stairs to the kitchen.
She crept into bed next to her sleeping husband.
b
: to go or seem to go very slowly
The hours crept by as we waited for morning.
a train creeping through the town
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to appear gradually and in a way that is difficult to notice
The price of gasoline has crept back up to three dollars a gallon.
A few mistakes crept in during the last revision of the paper.
4
of a plant
: to grow along the ground or up a surface (such as a tree or wall)
ivy creeping up a wall
a creeping vine
5
British, informal + disapproving
: to be extremely nice to someone in order to get approval or some advantage for yourself
He's been creeping (up) to the boss for months, so it's no surprise he got a promotion.
plural creeps
informal
1
: a strange person who you strongly dislike
Leave me alone, you creep! [=jerk, weirdo]
2
: an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or fear
I get the creeps every time he walks by.
I hate snakes. They give me the creeps.
That guy gives me the creeps.
Cite this Entry
“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/creep. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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