creeping

American  

[kree-ping] / ˈkri pɪŋ /

noun

1. Slang. the act or practice of following someone persistently or stealthily, especially online.

   Twitter and LinkedIn creeping is a normal part of my day.

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adjective

1. advancing or developing gradually so as to infringe on or supplant something else.

   creeping inflation;

   creeping socialism.

Etymology

Origin of creeping

creep + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Taylor Clemons’ cinematography is excellent, all slow creeping shots and shadows permeating even the daytime scenes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

It's less bitter than green tea, with a low caffeine content - and it's creeping onto café menus.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Sellers are coming out of the woodwork as they notice demand from buyers creeping up.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“The Post,” which starred Meryl Streep in a shrewdly judged performance of aristocratic assurance and creeping insecurity, premiered in Washington less than a year into Trump’s first administration.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Along with the lack of food, illness had started creeping up on them.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• climbing
• spreading