Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

creepy-crawly

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.99 in modern English

Syllables: creep-y-crawly
IPA

27

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

3

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Any small crawling animal such as a spider, insect or worm that is unpleasant.

Informal

adj

Unpleasant, repulsive.

noun

An automated suction pool cleaner.

Australian usage; Informal

Example Sentences

"Mattresses were either spring or made of old straw, and sometimes contained little creepy-crawlies."
"Many experts believe there is a clear environmental benefit to humans eating creepy-crawlies."
"[…] and slimy, creepy-crawly dungeons with chains for your hands and feet; […]"
"Still he paid no heed; and I don't mind saying to you men that, for half a second, I felt creepy-crawly and goose-flesh down the back."
"This made Egbert’s backbone more creepy crawly than ever[.]"

Etymology

A partial appellativization of Kreepy Krauly, a brand name, from Etymology 1.

Usage

Inflected Forms

creepy-crawlies (plural) more creepy-crawly (comparative) most creepy-crawly (superlative)

Synonyms

creepy crawler creepy

Questions

What does creepy-crawly mean?: Any small crawling animal such as a spider, insect or worm that is unpleasant.
Where does creepy-crawly come from?: A partial appellativization of Kreepy Krauly, a brand name, from Etymology 1.

How to pronounce creepy-crawly

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