ghost story

noun

1. a tale in which such elements as ghostly visitations and supernatural intervention are used to further the plot and a chilling, suspenseful atmosphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghost story¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The new Alexandre Aja film “Never Let Go” is billed as a psychological thriller and sports a trailer that makes it look like a ghost story.

From Los Angeles Times

Not everyone would be comfortable reading a story about postpartum psychosis, but everyone loves a ghost story.

From Los Angeles Times

If that ghost story can get them thinking about something like postpartum psychosis, then I’ve done my job.

From Los Angeles Times

In between those two evenings, notable screenings will include the West Coast premieres of Marielle Heller’s “Nightbitch,” starring Amy Adams as a stay-at-home mom who thinks she may be becoming a dog, and Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence,” which The Times called “a sleek and sublimely nimble ghost story” when it debuted at Sundance earlier this year.

From Los Angeles Times

What is your favorite ghost story from TV or film?

From Los Angeles Times