creepy-crawly

American  

[kree-pee-kraw-lee] / ˈkri piˈkrɔ li /

noun

plural

creepy-crawlies

1. a creeping or crawling animal, especially an insect.

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adjective

creepy-crawlier, creepy-crawliest

1. creepy.

creepy-crawly British  

noun

1. a small crawling creature

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adjective

1. feeling or causing a sensation as of creatures crawling on one's skin

Etymology

Origin of creepy-crawly

First recorded in 1855–60; creep, crawl ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

In the jungle, Nella has screamed her way through creepy-crawly and snake-infested bush tucker trials.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2023

His style-forward approach worked well in the service of his bonkers Liberace biopic, “Behind the Candelabra,” and the creepy-crawly period hospital series “The Knick.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

But I wasn’t really thrilled doing it, because you’re dealing with creepy-crawly things.

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2023

Then, taking charge, she dispatched bursts of brittle chords, tossed off creepy-crawly runs and kept bringing out both the sweetly melodic and industriously steely elements of the three-movement work.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2021

“I surely am. I don’t much like being around a dead animal, never mind a dead person. Just thinking about it makes my skin feel creepy-crawly all over.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood