cryptid

[ krip-tid ]

noun

1. a creature whose reported existence is unproved, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster: the subject of cryptozoology:

   The most famous evidence for Bigfoot is film footage shot in 1967 that purports to show the cryptid running through the woods.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptid¹

First recorded in 1980–85; crypt(o)- ( def ) + -id ²( def )

Example Sentences

One guess is that as an up-and-coming cryptid, the Mothman has a particularly strong appeal to younger and more progressive people.

From Slate

While last year’s class was overwhelmingly in favor of pursuing protections for the hairy cryptid, this year’s class was slightly more divided, with two-thirds voting in favor of saving Sasquatch.

From Seattle Times

A 2018 bill in the Washington state Legislature proposed to designate Sasquatch as the official state cryptid but was never passed.

From Seattle Times

Even the staunchest Sasquatch skeptics will develop a new appreciation for our region’s most galvanizing and controversial cryptid after listening to these thoughtful audiobooks.

From Seattle Times

Inside the shop, visitors can gasp at the glass aquarium containing the Wallingford Beast, a cryptid with the limbs of many different creatures, or marvel at the rubber chicken museum, which elevates rubber chickens of various sizes and forms to high art.

From Seattle Times