ghost story

noun

1. a tale in which such elements as ghostly visitations and supernatural intervention are used to further the plot and a chilling, suspenseful atmosphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghost story¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Prerelease rumors around “Phantom Thread” had it based on fashion designer Charles James and also something of a romantic ghost story, which turned out misdirections from the charming, offbeat comedic drama it turned out to be.

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A short ghost story about a boy with a clockwork heart buried under the Skull Tree is told via Burton claymation, in black-and-white, in the spirit of “Frankenweenie.”

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She is a ghost story to keep the kids safe and away from danger, but to Mal, she is very real.

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We know that Case will harness her feral spirit and thunderclap voice, but to accompany her on the journey there—part folktale, part ghost story and a kick of feminist manifesto — feels like discovering a favorite all over again.

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Toni Morrison, whose “Beloved” changed me when I first read it as a teen, showed me how a novel can be ghost story, reckoning, testimony and lullaby all at once.

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