cryptid

American  

[krip-tid] / ˈkrɪp tɪd /

noun

1. a creature whose reported existence is unproved, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster: the subject of cryptozoology.

   The most famous evidence for Bigfoot is film footage shot in 1967 that purports to show the cryptid running through the woods.

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Etymology

Origin of cryptid

First recorded in 1980–85; crypt(o)- ( def. ) + -id ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

He returned with a snippet of film documenting one of the most notorious cryptid sightings in history—a fleeting, jittery glimpse of a hairy figure crossing a riverbank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

One guess is that as an up-and-coming cryptid, the Mothman has a particularly strong appeal to younger and more progressive people.

From Slate • Oct. 2, 2024

While last year’s class was overwhelmingly in favor of pursuing protections for the hairy cryptid, this year’s class was slightly more divided, with two-thirds voting in favor of saving Sasquatch.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

Even the staunchest Sasquatch skeptics will develop a new appreciation for our region’s most galvanizing and controversial cryptid after listening to these thoughtful audiobooks.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2023

Ultimately, the GSoW team often leans on niche publications like Skeptical Enquirer to find a Wikipedia-worthy source that clearly states a particular cryptid is considered pseudoscience.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2023