verb
Common
creep
kreep
Creep (verb) means to move slowly, quietly, or close to the ground. Example: “The cat crept slowly towards the bird, keeping low to the ground.”
verb
1
To move slowly, quietly, or close to the ground.
"The cat crept slowly towards the bird, keeping low to the ground."
"She crept down the stairs so as not to wake anyone."
"Ivy had crept up the entire side of the old house."
2
To change or increase very gradually, often in an unwelcome way.
"Doubt began to creep into his mind as the deadline approached."
"Prices tend to creep up whenever the holidays get closer."
"Costs have been creeping up all year."
noun
1
An unpleasant or unsettling person, especially one who behaves in a sexually inappropriate way.
"Nobody liked sitting near him because he was such a creep."
"The creep kept following her around the shop and staring at her."
"She blocked him after he turned out to be a total creep."
How to use creep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving slowly and quietly, or (as a noun, informally) a person who makes others uncomfortable.
When to use it
The noun sense meaning "unsettling person" is informal.
Common pairings
creep up on
give someone the creeps
prices creep up
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Word forms
- Plural
- creeps
- Third person singular
- creeps
- Past tense
- crept, creeped, crope, cropen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Doubt began to _____ into his mind as the deadline approached.
Etymology
From Old English creopan, "to crawl", from a prehistoric Germanic root meaning "to twist" — related to "crawl" and "cripple".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for creep
See all rhymes for creep →Frequently asked questions
What does “creep” mean?
The word “creep” means to move slowly, quietly, or close to the ground. In plain terms, moving slowly and quietly, or (as a noun, informally) a person who makes others uncomfortable.
How do you pronounce “creep”?
“Creep” is pronounced kreep (/kɹiːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “creep” in a sentence?
Here is “creep” used in a sentence: “Costs have been creeping up all year.”
What part of speech is “creep”?
Depending on how it is used, “creep” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “creep” come from?
The word “creep” comes from Old English. From Old English creopan, "to crawl", from a prehistoric Germanic root meaning "to twist" — related to "crawl" and "cripple".
Is “creep” a common word?
“Creep” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “creep” have?
“Creep” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move slowly, quietly, or close to the ground.
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