adjective
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of devilish
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; see origin at devil, -ish 1
Explanation
You can describe someone as devilish if they're nasty and cruel, although this adjective is also used for rascally or naughty people, like the devilish kids you babysit. A devilish punishment is cruel, but a devilish preschooler simply misbehaves in a playful way. Since about 1600, the word devil has been used to mean not just an "evil, diabolical spirit," but also a "clever rogue." The adjective has followed suit, so you might describe a terrifying movie monster as a devilish creature, while also calling your favorite rascal a devilish creature.
Vocabulary lists containing devilish
"Thank You, M'am"
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"Thank You, M'am" and "Juvenile Justice"
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When I Was the Greatest
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It hits me,” he says with a devilish grin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
At the world premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” actress Meryl Streep leaned into her character’s devilish persona.
From Salon ● May 17, 2026
And Universal's horror sequel "Black Phone 2," once again starring Ethan Hawke as a devilish villain, came in fifth place at $2.7 million.
From Barron's ● Nov. 16, 2025
Australian scientists have discovered a new native bee species with tiny horns - and given it a suitably devilish name.
From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2025
Here, sir, one example: One day, it was beastly hot, a devilish hot rainy day, and Miss Fanny didn’t want to go above-stairs to her chamber to change her dress, because her paint might melt.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
