adjective
adverb
Other Word Forms
- devilishly adverb
- devilishness noun
- superdevilish adjective
- superdevilishly adverb
- superdevilishness noun
- undevilish adjective
Etymology
Origin of devilish
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; devil, -ish 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.
How wordplay and devilish games of deduction can be as satisfying to the soul as a song.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025
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
Content creator and media personality Amelia Dimoldenberg never takes the easy option when it comes to dressing up for Halloween and this devilish costume certainly looks like it required some effort.
From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025
Out of Toronto, Times critic Amy Nicholson celebrated the film as “a devilish and dynamic adaptation,” remarking on DaCosta’s changes to Ibsen’s play by saying, “The spirit is faithful; the subtext is fresh.”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025
Detective Webster stood beside her, appearing every bit the devilish imp.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
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.
