Cruella
Cruella (noun) means a cruel, vain, or heartless woman, especially one who is theatrically villainous. Example: “Her stepmother was a real Cruella when it came to the pets.”
How to use Cruella
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, often playful way to call a woman cruel or spiteful, after the cartoon villain.
Informal and usually humorous or exaggerated rather than literal.
Word forms
Cruellas plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her stepmother was a real _____ when it came to the pets.
Etymology
From Cruella de Vil, the villain of 101 Dalmatians — her name is a pun combining "cruel" and "devil."
Rhymes for Cruella
See all rhymes for Cruella →Frequently asked questions
What does “Cruella” mean?
The word “Cruella” means a cruel, vain, or heartless woman, especially one who is theatrically villainous. In plain terms, an informal, often playful way to call a woman cruel or spiteful, after the cartoon villain.
How do you use “Cruella” in a sentence?
Here is “Cruella” used in a sentence: “Her stepmother was a real Cruella when it came to the pets.”
What part of speech is “Cruella”?
“Cruella” is a noun.
Where does the word “Cruella” come from?
The word “Cruella” dates back to around 101. From Cruella de Vil, the villain of 101 Dalmatians — her name is a pun combining "cruel" and "devil.".