ghoul

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the costumes are rarely ghosts, ghouls and other holiday classics. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024 The famed ghoul proved to be a popular costume choice among TV show hosts with Al Roker, Mark Consuelos and Kelly Clarkson all slipping into black-and-white pantsuits and donning green wigs on their respective shows on Thursday, Oct. 31. Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Even a half-century later, the undead ghouls that descend upon survivors in a Pennsylvania farm house are timeless and the gut-punch ending couldn't be more timely. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 There are some clever touches–a zombie Elvis is among the ghouls tormenting teens played by Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) and Candace Cameron Bure (Full House, Fuller House). Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ghoul 

Word History

Etymology

Arabic ghūl

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ghoul was in 1721

Dictionary Entries Near ghoul

Cite this Entry

“Ghoul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghoul. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ghoul

noun
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 adjective
ghoulishly adverb
ghoulishness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ghoul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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