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noun

poltergeist

POL-tuh-gyst

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.

Word forms

poltergeists plural, poltergeister plural

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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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