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Showing results for crawly. Search instead for crawliest.
Synonyms

crawly

American  
[kraw-lee] / ˈkrɔ li /

adjective

crawlier, crawliest
  1. that crawls; noting or describing things, as worms or insects, that crawl, especially imparting a queasy feeling; creepy.


noun

crawlies plural
  1. a crawling insect, small reptile, etc.

crawly British  
/ ˈkrɔːlɪ /

adjective

  1. informal feeling or causing a sensation like creatures crawling on one's skin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of crawly

First recorded in 1855–60; crawl 1 + -y 1

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.

See Examples For:

The answer to this long-standing question may be one step closer thanks to research on the crawly living twigs known as stick insects.

From Science Magazine May 23, 2024

It focuses on the ever-changing perceptions of crawly creatures, such as ants but also toads, snakes and spiders, in the arts and sciences.

From Reuters Sep. 16, 2022

The two high school students, both from the Bay area, were much more fascinated by other creepy crawly creatures.

From Slate Aug. 16, 2022

Phobias of creepy, crawly animals such as insects, snakes and mice are higher than for other types of animals.

From Washington Post Apr. 23, 2021

She wants us to sink below the basement into the warm crawly dirt, where Cassie has a room waiting, so the three of us can curl into critter balls and wait for spring.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Bug Fair 2022 Creepy crawlies will be out in force as this kid-friendly, insect-centric festival returns with live presentations, musical performances, hands-on activities and more.

From Los Angeles Times May 19, 2022

There, it’s time for creepy crawlies to get to work.

From Washington Post Oct. 15, 2021

Behind the creepy crawlies and viscera, that’s the real boogeyman, you see?

From Slate Jan. 9, 2020

He's a firm fan of creepy crawlies and works with farmers to try to encourage bug production.

From BBC Sep. 15, 2016

Flies, wasps, worms and all manner of crawlies had been thoroughly investigating him all afternoon.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Peter Lorre at his crawliest, poured into Pinky Lee?

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 9, 1985

One of the crawliest figures to emerge was that of Peter Rachman, who may, or may not, be dead.

From Time Magazine Archive

Behind his boyish smile, Tyte is one of the crawliest characters in recent fiction.

From Time Magazine Archive

He tucked himself into a fork the way he had been taught, and he passed the crawliest, tickliest night he had ever known.

From Irish Fairy Tales by Stephens, James

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