eerie
Eerie (adj) means Strange and unsettling in a way that suggests something mysterious or supernatural. Example: “An eerie silence hung over the abandoned house.”
How to use eerie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpooky or unsettling in a quiet, mysterious way, rather than outright terrifying.
Word forms
eerier comparative, eeries plural, eeriest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
An _____ silence hung over the abandoned house.
Etymology
From Middle English eri ("fearful"), ultimately from an Old English word meaning "cowardly" — the sense shifted over time from feeling afraid to being the kind of thing that inspires fear.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for eerie
See all rhymes for eerie →Frequently asked questions
What does “eerie” mean?
The word “eerie” means strange and unsettling in a way that suggests something mysterious or supernatural. In plain terms, spooky or unsettling in a quiet, mysterious way, rather than outright terrifying.
How do you pronounce “eerie”?
“Eerie” is pronounced EER-ree (/ˈɪɚi/ in IPA).
How do you use “eerie” in a sentence?
Here is “eerie” used in a sentence: “An eerie silence hung over the abandoned house.”
What is another word for “eerie”?
Words with a similar meaning to “eerie” include chilling, creepy, eldritch, freakish, frightening and grim.
What part of speech is “eerie”?
“Eerie” is an adjective.
Where does the word “eerie” come from?
The word “eerie” comes from Old English. From Middle English eri ("fearful"), ultimately from an Old English word meaning "cowardly" — the sense shifted over time from feeling afraid to being the kind of thing that inspires fear.
Is “eerie” a common word?
“Eerie” is an uncommon word in modern English.