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
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"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Thank You, M'am" and "Juvenile Justice"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
When I Was the Greatest
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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
Australian scientists have discovered a new native bee species with tiny horns - and given it a suitably devilish name.
From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025
From the NFL’s most devilish franchise to who he sold his soul to in order to stay looking young, Bacon dove deep with host Nicholas Ducassi.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025
No, he would have to remain there, alert for any trap the devilish creature might spring .
From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park
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.
