noun
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.”
noun
1
A cruel, vain, or heartless woman, especially one who is theatrically villainous.
"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.
When to use it
Informal and usually humorous or exaggerated rather than literal.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Cruella.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- Cruellas
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."
Class of 101
Cruella joined the language around 101.
See the full Class of 101 →
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.".
