creature

noun

crea·​ture ˈkrē-chər How to pronounce creature (audio)
Synonyms of creaturenext
1
: something created either animate or inanimate: such as
a
: a lower animal
especially : a farm animal
b
: a human being
c
: a being of anomalous or uncertain aspect or nature
creatures of fantasy
2
: one that is the servile dependent or tool of another : instrument
creatural
ˈkrē-chə-rəl How to pronounce creature (audio)
adjective
creaturehood
ˈkrē-chər-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce creature (audio)
noun
creatureliness
ˈkrē-chər-lē-nəs How to pronounce creature (audio)
noun
creaturely
ˈkrē-chər-lē How to pronounce creature (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

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Examples of creature in a Sentence

rabbits, squirrels, and other furry creatures Few living creatures can survive without water. a giant hairy apelike creature She's a creature of rare beauty.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Players will need to survive a brutal future, extract key people from the past and stop nightmarish creatures. — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Housing marine creatures, the facility was on the forefront of understanding the care and training of dolphins. — Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025 Generally, this curious-looking creature that’s about the size of a cat rarely causes problems for the homeowner. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, eerie creatures lurk in the city streets, waiting. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for creature

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin creātūra "act of bringing into being, something brought into being," from Latin creātus, past participle of creāre "to beget, give birth to, create entry 1" + -ūra

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of creature was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing creature

Rhymes for creature

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Browse Nearby Words

creats
creature
creature comfort
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Cite this Entry

“Creature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creature. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

creature

noun
crea·​ture ˈkrē-chər How to pronounce creature (audio)
1
: a created being
2
a
: a lower animal
b
: individual sense 2

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