English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adjective

ghoulish

GOO-lihsh

Ghoulish (adjective) means showing a morbid delight in death, gore, or suffering. Example: “The tabloid ran a ghoulish photo of the crash scene.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

adjective

1

Showing a morbid delight in death, gore, or suffering.

"The tabloid ran a ghoulish photo of the crash scene."

"His ghoulish sense of humor unsettled the whole office."

How to use ghoulish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCreepily fascinated with death, gore, or macabre things.

Common pairings

ghoulish grin ghoulish delight ghoulish fascination

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like ghoulish.

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

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more ghoulish comparative, most ghoulish superlative

Test yourself on “ghoulish” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The tabloid ran a _____ photo of the crash scene.

Etymology

From ghoul plus the adjective suffix -ish.

Frequently asked questions

What does “ghoulish” mean?

The word “ghoulish” means showing a morbid delight in death, gore, or suffering. In plain terms, creepily fascinated with death, gore, or macabre things.

How do you pronounce “ghoulish”?

“Ghoulish” is pronounced GOO-lihsh (/ˈɡuː.lɪʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “ghoulish” in a sentence?

Here is “ghoulish” used in a sentence: “The tabloid ran a ghoulish photo of the crash scene.”

What part of speech is “ghoulish”?

“Ghoulish” is an adjective.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial