creature

[kree-cher]

noun

1. an animal, especially a nonhuman.

   the creatures of the woods and fields; a creature from outer space.

2. anything created, whether animate or inanimate.

3. person; human being.

   She is a charming creature. The driver of a bus is sometimes an irritable creature.

4. an animate being.

5. a person whose position or fortune is owed to someone or something and who continues under the control or influence of that person or thing.

   The cardinal was a creature of Louis XI.

6. Scot. and Older U.S. Use.,  Usually the creature intoxicating liquor, especially whiskey.

   He drinks a bit of the creature before bedtime.

creature

/ ˈkriːtʃə /

noun

1. a living being, esp an animal

2. something that has been created, whether animate or inanimate

   a creature of the imagination

3. a human being; person: used as a term of scorn, pity, or endearment

4. a person who is dependent upon another; tool or puppet

Other Word Forms

• creatureliness noun
• creatural adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of creature¹

First recorded before 1250–1300; Middle English creature, from Late Latin creātūra “act of creating”; create, -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of creature¹

C13: from Church Latin crēatūra, from Latin crēare to create

Example Sentences

At its best, Orange County comes across as well-groomed, generous of creature comforts, pretty in a standardized, debutante fashion, in part from master planning that has become a worldwide model.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the first installment of a planned trilogy that will span the final showdown between the Demon Slayer Corps and the monstrous creatures the secret organization was created to defeat.

From Los Angeles Times

The demons in “Demon Slayer,” also known as oni, are nearly immortal creatures with various enhanced abilities such as increased strength and advanced healing.

From Los Angeles Times

In the film, the fantastical woodland creatures rebel against their passive on-screen depictions.

From Los Angeles Times

Andrew Garfield had originally been cast as the titular creature, but had to leave the project due to scheduling conflicts which arose from the Hollywood actors' strike.

From BBC

Related Words

• animal 
• critter 
• fellow 
• individual 
• living thing www.thesaurus.com
• man 
• person 
• soul 
• woman