adjective
adverb
Other Word Forms
- devilishly adverb
- devilishness noun
- superdevilish adjective
- superdevilishly adverb
- superdevilishness noun
- undevilish adjective
Etymology
Origin of devilish
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; see origin at devil, -ish 1
Explanation
You can describe someone as devilish if they're nasty and cruel, although this adjective is also used for rascally or naughty people, like the devilish kids you babysit. A devilish punishment is cruel, but a devilish preschooler simply misbehaves in a playful way. Since about 1600, the word devil has been used to mean not just an "evil, diabolical spirit," but also a "clever rogue." The adjective has followed suit, so you might describe a terrifying movie monster as a devilish creature, while also calling your favorite rascal a devilish creature.
Vocabulary lists containing devilish
"Thank You, M'am"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Thank You, M'am" and "Juvenile Justice"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
When I Was the Greatest
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How wordplay and devilish games of deduction can be as satisfying to the soul as a song.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025
And Universal's horror sequel "Black Phone 2," once again starring Ethan Hawke as a devilish villain, came in fifth place at $2.7 million.
From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025
Content creator and media personality Amelia Dimoldenberg never takes the easy option when it comes to dressing up for Halloween and this devilish costume certainly looks like it required some effort.
From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025
Carter and his often underpaid staff came up with devilish nicknames for their primary targets.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2025
What if that gives her devilish powers for real?
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
