spooky

adjective

ˈspü-kē 

spookier; spookiest

1

: strange, unsettling, or frightening in a way that suggests the supernatural : eerie, uncanny

[Caroline] Shaw's composition … is a mysterious and densely layered four-movement work … with vocalization and spookier in-between sounds that originate deep in the throat: moans, gasps, exhalations of breath.

—Gia Kourlas

Olivia Wilde's new film … owes a debt to many spooky dramas about the dark side of the suburbs—think The Stepford Wives, with even more of a sci-fi edge.

—David Sims

sometimes, specifically : relating to, resembling, or suggesting ghosts or spooks

Spooky stories of Hawaiian night marchers (ghosts of warriors and chiefs) lurking around bushes and walking the trail are often told, but these haunted tales are not true, according to Lopaka Kapanui, a Native Hawaiian master storyteller …

—Christina Hitt

2

: nervous, skittish

Dealing with Louisa when she was having an attack was very much like dealing with a spooky horse. You had to exude self-confidence …

—Jane Smiley

spookily

ˈspü-kə-lē 

adverb

spookiness

ˈspü-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• excitable
• fiddle-footed
• flighty
• fluttery
• high-strung
• hyper
• hyperactive
• hyperexcitable
• hyperkinetic
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• skittery
• skittish
• spasmodic

Examples of spooky in a Sentence

The music was pretty spooky.

a spooky horse shying at shadows

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the top events is the Krewe of Boo, the city’s official Halloween parade, which features spooky floats, elaborate costumes, and plenty of treats. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

Looking to add some spooky lighting to your Halloween setup? —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024

The video ends with one of the spooky band members fanning herself in awe. —Rachel Burchfield, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2024

Uber Technologies just announced a new partnership with Spirit Halloween, opening up delivery for Halloween costumes, decor and all things spooky to be delivered on demand via Uber Eats, Postmates and the Uber app. —Cj Haddad, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spooky

adjective

ˈspü-kē 

spookier; spookiest

1

: relating to, resembling, or suggesting ghosts

spooky houses

2

: skittish sense 2

a spooky horse

spookiness noun