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

As ghosts and monsters prepare to strike this Halloween, Americans might find that what haunts them most are not the ghouls at the door—it's the price tags at the store.

From Salon

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

From BBC

We approached the lonely inn as ragged ghouls shamble up to a gravekeeper’s door.

From Literature

One time, a ghoul wreaked havoc in the Apollo in the middle of a show, and Mr. Prince caught it and kept it.

From Literature

We are in our laboratories playing God with machine networks and not really having updated scientific language to describe the old ghouls and goblins.

From Salon