ghoul

noun

ˈgül 

1

: a legendary evil being that robs graves and feeds on corpses

2

: one suggestive of a ghoul

especially : one who shows morbid interest in things considered shocking or repulsive

Synonyms

• cacodemon
• demon
• daemon
• devil
• fiend
• ghost
• ghoulie
• imp
• shaitan

Examples of ghoul in a Sentence

in Arabic folklore, ghouls could change their shapes but had one unchanging feature: donkey's hooves for feet

Recent Examples on the Web

With her husband’s cooperation, a coven of Devil-worshipping ghouls occupy an Upper West Side apartment building and conspire to have a young woman Rosemary (Mia Farrow) raped and impregnated by Satan himself. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024

Taking place this week on Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween is an important day not only for ghosts, ghouls and spirits but also for anyone interested in our planet’s incredible annual journey around the sun. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Halloween may be a time for ghouls, goblins, and harmless pranks, but in the digital landscape, there’s a new trick with devastating consequences. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

These ideas for styling a Halloween bar cart are easy, festive, and inexpensive—perfect for an evening with your best ghouls. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Arabic ghūl

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ghoul

noun

ˈgül 

1

: an evil being of legend that robs graves and feeds on corpses

2

: a person (as a grave robber) whose activities suggest those of a ghoul

ghoulish

ˈgü-lish 

adjective

ghoulishly adverb

ghoulishness noun