ghoul

American  

[gool] / gul /

noun

1. an evil demon, originally of Muslim legend, supposed to feed on human beings, and especially to rob graves, prey on corpses, etc.

2. a grave robber.

3. a person who revels in what is revolting.

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ghoul British  

/ ɡuːl /

noun

1. a malevolent spirit or ghost

2. a person interested in morbid or disgusting things

3. a person who robs graves

4. (in Muslim legend) an evil demon thought to eat human bodies, either stolen corpses or children

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Etymology

Origin of ghoul

First recorded in 1780–90, ghoul is from the Arabic word ghūl

Example Sentences

Suturing Mary Shelley’s novel to his own 21st century anti-technocrat ferocity, Guillermo del Toro cranked up his ambitions in every element from costumes to cinematography and thrillingly brought his favorite ghoul to life.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

Michael Keaton has reprised his role as the titular chaos-causing ghoul in the sequel.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2024

Well, anyone that's spent any time in Hollywood can become a ghoul.

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2024

She called it “a witty ghoul story, a grandson of ‘Frankenstein’ that plays off the conventions of recent teen-age horror movies while paying homage to the classic starring Boris Karloff.”

From New York Times • Jun. 13, 2022

All I know . . . the ghoul Antinous said, Victory runs rampant in Olympia.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan