noun
spook
spook
Spook (noun) means a ghost or supernatural apparition. Example: “The old house was said to be full of spooks.”
noun
1
A ghost or supernatural apparition.
"The old house was said to be full of spooks."
2
An informal term for a spy or intelligence agent.
"Rumor had it he used to be a spook for the CIA."
verb
1
To frighten or unsettle someone, often suddenly.
"The loud bang spooked the horses."
"Don't spook her, she doesn't know we're here."
How to use spook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ghost, a spy (informal), or to frighten someone.
Common mistake
"Spook" as a term for a Black person is an offensive slur and should be avoided entirely.
Common pairings
spook someone
get spooked
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Word forms
- Plural
- spooks
- Third person singular
- spooks
- Past tense
- spooked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old house was said to be full of _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Dutch spook, "ghost," related to German Spuk and Swedish spöke.
Related words
Rhymes for spook
See all rhymes for spook →Frequently asked questions
What does “spook” mean?
The word “spook” means a ghost or supernatural apparition. In plain terms, a ghost, a spy (informal), or to frighten someone.
How do you pronounce “spook”?
“Spook” is pronounced spook (/spʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “spook” in a sentence?
Here is “spook” used in a sentence: “The old house was said to be full of spooks.”
What part of speech is “spook”?
Depending on how it is used, “spook” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spook” come from?
The word “spook” comes from German. Borrowed from Dutch spook, "ghost," related to German Spuk and Swedish spöke.
How many meanings does “spook” have?
“Spook” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ghost or supernatural apparition.
