noun Uncommon

spectre

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Also spelled specter (US spelling)

Spectre (noun) means a ghost or ghostly apparition; also, a looming threat or worry that haunts a situation. Example: “Visitors claim to have seen a spectre wandering the old castle halls.”

noun

A ghost or ghostly apparition; also, a looming threat or worry that haunts a situation.

"Visitors claim to have seen a spectre wandering the old castle halls."

"The spectre of layoffs hung over the office for months."

How to use spectre

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA ghost, or figuratively, a scary possibility that keeps hanging over people's minds.

UK vs US

"Spectre" is the standard British and Australian spelling; American English usually writes it "specter."

Easily confused with

specter →

Common pairings

the spectre of war raise the spectre of a ghostly spectre

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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

Plural: spectres

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Visitors claim to have seen a _____ wandering the old castle halls.

Etymology

From French spectre, from Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from specere ("to look at") — the same root as "spectacle" and "inspect."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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ghost shade phantom spook wraith specter apparition fantasm phantasm phantasma

Related words

touch color spirit colour shadow tone ghost substance

Frequently asked questions

What does “spectre” mean?

The word “spectre” means a ghost or ghostly apparition; also, a looming threat or worry that haunts a situation. In plain terms, a ghost, or figuratively, a scary possibility that keeps hanging over people's minds.

How do you use “spectre” in a sentence?

Here is “spectre” used in a sentence: “Visitors claim to have seen a spectre wandering the old castle halls.”

What part of speech is “spectre”?

“Spectre” is a noun.

Where does the word “spectre” come from?

The word “spectre” comes from Latin. From French spectre, from Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from specere ("to look at") — the same root as "spectacle" and "inspect.".

Is “spectre” a common word?

“Spectre” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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