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.
Naturally, it now promotes potatoes as a trick-or-treat option—or “trick-or-tater,” as the association puts it—and suggests any number of Halloween-themed potato recipes, such as one for Devilish Potatoes, a twist on deviled eggs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025
Devilish training led to local races, then larger competitions.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2020
Devilish greens foiled golfers all over the Jack Nicklaus design Tuesday.
From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2016
The Dastardly Death of the Devilish Director’s Daughter When reading Marisha Pessl’s Night Film, you might want to roll your eyes, but they’ll be glued to the page.
From Slate • Sep. 6, 2013
“I like to think I make up for the rather significant, err...beauty gap in other ways. Devilish charm and impeccable character, for instance.”
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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.
