spooky

[spoo-kee]

adjective

Informal.

spookier, spookiest 

1. like or befitting a spook or ghost; suggestive of spooks.

2. eerie; scary.

3. (especially of horses) nervous; skittish.

ˈspooky

/ ˈspuːkɪ /

adjective

1. ghostly or eerie

   a spooky house

2. resembling or appropriate to a ghost

3. easily frightened; highly strung

Other Word Forms

• spookiness noun
• spookily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ˈspooky¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; spook + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Set against a green and blue backdrop, the number was theatrical, dramatic and… a bit spooky.

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The star was also in a constant battle with stage fright—a startling admission for a larger-than-life performer with a reputation for spooky, unnerving antics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, the “haunted” property was a touch too spooky for the family, so they opted to move to a new home without a creepy atmosphere.

Read more on MarketWatch

“Once upon a midnight dreary, / while I pondered, weak and weary . . . .” Thus begins the most celebrated spooky poem by the most celebrated of spooky 19th-century American writers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The Willows” is a Los Angeles spooky season staple and has sold out its tickets for October, although limited spots remain for November and December.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chilling 
• creepy 
• eerie 
• ghostly 
• mysterious 
• ominous 
• scary 
• supernatural 
• uncanny 
• weird