adjective
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of devilish
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; see origin at devil, -ish 1
Explanation
You can describe someone as devilish if they're nasty and cruel, although this adjective is also used for rascally or naughty people, like the devilish kids you babysit. A devilish punishment is cruel, but a devilish preschooler simply misbehaves in a playful way. Since about 1600, the word devil has been used to mean not just an "evil, diabolical spirit," but also a "clever rogue." The adjective has followed suit, so you might describe a terrifying movie monster as a devilish creature, while also calling your favorite rascal a devilish creature.
Vocabulary lists containing devilish
"Thank You, M'am"
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"Thank You, M'am" and "Juvenile Justice"
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When I Was the Greatest
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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.
What remains intact across all versions of Cady is a devilish sense of humor and a lack of self-importance.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026
“It hits me,” he says with a devilish grin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
At the world premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” actress Meryl Streep leaned into her character’s devilish persona.
From Salon ● May 17, 2026
And Universal's horror sequel "Black Phone 2," once again starring Ethan Hawke as a devilish villain, came in fifth place at $2.7 million.
From Barron's ● Nov. 16, 2025
I looked over at Jazz, expecting her to have her usual devilish grin she always has whenever she thinks people like her food, but instead she looked concerned.
From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds
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.
