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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

plural

crawlies

  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

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.

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

This creepy crawly cohort moves toward its prey in stop motion: The spiders pause, then rush forward in unison, then pause again.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 6, 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

“You think I keep an eye on every crawly that comes in here?” the landlady retorted.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

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.