ghoul

[ gool ]

noun

1. an evil demon, originally of Muslim legend, supposed to feed on human beings, and especially to rob graves, prey on corpses, etc.
2. a grave robber.
3. a person who revels in what is revolting.

ghoul

/ ɡuːl /

noun

1. a malevolent spirit or ghost
2. a person interested in morbid or disgusting things
3. a person who robs graves
4. (in Muslim legend) an evil demon thought to eat human bodies, either stolen corpses or children

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghoul¹

First recorded in 1780–90, ghoul is from the Arabic word ghūl

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghoul¹

C18: from Arabic ghūl, from ghāla he seized

Example Sentences

Michael Keaton has reprised his role as the titular chaos-causing ghoul in the sequel.

From BBC

Beetlejuice's sequel sees Keaton reprise his role as the titular chaos-causing ghoul.

From BBC

"Anyone that's spent any time in Hollywood can become a ghoul."

From Salon

Coming in as The Ghoul into an ER would be a very dramatic experience.

From Salon

I would've thought, “Oh, well, The Ghoul will never wear sunglasses. You can't be nosy.”

From Salon