creature
Creature (noun) means a living being, especially an animal. Example: “The forest was full of strange nocturnal creatures.”
How to use creature
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA living being, especially an animal, or a monstrous/fictional being.
Word forms
creatures plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The forest was full of strange nocturnal _____.
Etymology
From Latin creatura, "a created thing," from creare, "to create" — originally used for anything that had been made, before narrowing to living beings.
Related words
Rhymes for creature
See all rhymes for creature →Frequently asked questions
What does “creature” mean?
The word “creature” means a living being, especially an animal. In plain terms, a living being, especially an animal, or a monstrous/fictional being.
How do you pronounce “creature”?
“Creature” is pronounced KREE-chuh (/ˈkɹi.tʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “creature” in a sentence?
Here is “creature” used in a sentence: “The forest was full of strange nocturnal creatures.”
What is another word for “creature”?
Words with a similar meaning to “creature” include being.
What part of speech is “creature”?
“Creature” is a noun.
Where does the word “creature” come from?
The word “creature” comes from Latin. From Latin creatura, "a created thing," from creare, "to create" — originally used for anything that had been made, before narrowing to living beings.
Is “creature” a common word?
“Creature” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “creature” have?
“Creature” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a living being, especially an animal.
What is the difference between a "creature" and an "animal"?
"Creature" is a broad term for any living being, often an animal, and can carry a sense of wonder, sympathy, or strangeness. "Animal" is the more precise, neutral biological term, so all animals are creatures but "creature" can also cover imaginary or unusual beings.
What is the difference between a "creature" and a "monster"?
A creature is simply a living being, especially an animal, and is usually neutral. A monster is a frightening or grotesque being, so while "creature" can describe an imaginary or monstrous being in fiction, "monster" specifically implies menace.
Can "creature" refer to something that is not real?
Yes. Besides meaning a living being such as an animal, "creature" is also used for an imaginary or monstrous being, especially in fiction or myth, such as a creature from a fantasy story.