spooky

[spoo-kee]

adjective

Informal.

spookier, spookiest 

1. like or befitting a spook or ghost; suggestive of spooks.

2. eerie; scary.

3. (especially of horses) nervous; skittish.

ˈspooky

/ ˈspuːkɪ /

adjective

1. ghostly or eerie

   a spooky house

2. resembling or appropriate to a ghost

3. easily frightened; highly strung

Other Word Forms

• spookily adverb
• spookiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spooky¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; spook + -y ¹

Example Sentences

But if you have time for only one terrifying tale this spooky season, make room for “The Extra.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Current Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts decided a couple of years ago he doesn’t want to take any chances at the spooky spot.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whether it’s Hatch Escapes with its corporate time-jumping game “The Ladder” or Ministry of Peculiarities with its spooky haunted house, creators here are emphasizing story.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Set against a green and blue backdrop, the number was theatrical, dramatic and… a bit spooky.

Read more on BBC

The star was also in a constant battle with stage fright—a startling admission for a larger-than-life performer with a reputation for spooky, unnerving antics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chilling 
• creepy 
• eerie 
• ghostly 
• mysterious 
• ominous 
• scary 
• supernatural 
• uncanny 
• weird