ghostly

[gohst-lee]

adjective

ghostlier, ghostliest 

1. of, characteristic of, or resembling a ghost; phantasmal; spectral.

   Synonyms: unearthly, ghostlike, phantom, wraithlike

2. Literary.,  spiritual.

ˈghostly

/ ˈɡəʊstlɪ /

adjective

1. of or resembling a ghost; spectral

   a ghostly face appeared at the window

2. suggesting the presence of ghosts; eerie

3. archaic,  of or relating to the soul or spirit

Other Word Forms

• ghostliness noun
• unghostly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghostly¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English gāstlīc. See ghost, -ly

Example Sentences

Jimmy Carter’s appearance became more diminutive during his incumbency, but his teeth became bigger; Ronald Reagan’s face went from smiling to hollowed and ghostly.

From Salon

Many of their faces, painted a ghostly white, were framed by embroidered Tejano hats — and one massive mariachi sombrero.

From Los Angeles Times

It prioritized style and emotion, favoring ghostly digital video production and uniquely complicated, human characters over jump scares and predictable gore.

From Salon

The ghostly fun doesn’t stop there, although the house affects each of its denizens differently.

From Los Angeles Times

And in “Opening Night,” Gena Rowlands’ fabulous yet tortured stage actress Myrtle descends into addiction, tormented by ghostly visions and crippling doubt.

From Salon

Related Words

• eerie 
• ghastly 
• scary 
• shadowy 
• spectral 
• supernatural 
• weird