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noun

poltergeist

POL-tuh-gyst
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Poltergeist (noun) means a supposed ghost or spirit blamed for noises and the mysterious movement of objects. Example: “The family claimed a poltergeist kept knocking pictures off the walls.”

noun
1
A supposed ghost or spirit blamed for noises and the mysterious movement of objects.
"The family claimed a poltergeist kept knocking pictures off the walls."

How to use poltergeist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA noisy, mischievous ghost said to move furniture or make banging sounds.

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Word forms

Plural
poltergeists, poltergeister
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The family claimed a _____ kept knocking pictures off the walls.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from German Poltergeist, from poltern ("to make a racket") and Geist ("ghost").

Origin: German

Rhymes for poltergeist

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Frequently asked questions

What does “poltergeist” mean?
The word “poltergeist” means a supposed ghost or spirit blamed for noises and the mysterious movement of objects. In plain terms, a noisy, mischievous ghost said to move furniture or make banging sounds.
How do you pronounce “poltergeist”?
“Poltergeist” is pronounced POL-tuh-gyst (/ˈpoʊl.tɚˌɡaɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “poltergeist” in a sentence?
Here is “poltergeist” used in a sentence: “The family claimed a poltergeist kept knocking pictures off the walls.”
What part of speech is “poltergeist”?
“Poltergeist” is a noun.
Where does the word “poltergeist” come from?
The word “poltergeist” comes from German. Borrowed directly from German Poltergeist, from poltern ("to make a racket") and Geist ("ghost").

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