noun

spook

Spook (noun) means a ghost or supernatural apparition. Example: “The old house was said to be full of spooks.”

noun

A ghost or supernatural apparition.

"The old house was said to be full of spooks."

An informal term for a spy or intelligence agent.

"Rumor had it he used to be a spook for the CIA."

verb

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

spooked past tense, spooks plural, spooks singular

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The old house was said to be full of _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Dutch spook, "ghost," related to German Spuk and Swedish spöke.

Origin: German

Synonyms

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ghost shade creep spectre weirdo wraith specter weirdy weirdie

Related words

friend crazy color spirit colour shadow tone ghost

Rhymes for spook

ook book look cook rook hook nook kook sook fook mook wook

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.

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