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

As in his previous short films, Jackson plays multiple roles, including the Maestro (the main character), the town's mayor, their evil incarnate, the super ghoul, and most memorably, the moonwalking skeleton. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

In the movie, Evan and Tim evade Max and his evil legion’s efforts to make them into literal corporate ghouls by teaming up with security guard Frank (Marshall Givens). —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 Oct. 2024

Don your favorite costume and enjoy a fall festival loaded with a treat trail, spooky games, enchanting performances, a stilt walker, inflatables, a creepy crawly gooey zone, a lil ghouls corral and a bike circus. —Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2024

And don't forget to add ghouls both inside and outside your home. —Holly Garcia, Parents, 20 Sep. 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