creature

noun

crea·​ture ˈkrē-chər How to pronounce creature (audio)
Synonyms of creaturenext
1
: something created either animate or inanimate: such as
a
: an animal that is not a human being
wild creatures of the forest
b
: a human being
He's a social creature.
The poor creature has had a hard life.
I'm a creature of habit; I like my routine.
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 of creature

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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. A social creature by nature, he loves working with people. The poor creature had no way to get home.
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.
The ancient creature’s paddle-like abdominal limbs provide direct fossil evidence that insects conquered land through a prolonged semi-aquatic phase rather than an abrupt transition. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 Created by Weisman, the original Walt Disney Television Animation series, which aired from 1994-1997, revolved around nocturnal creatures known as gargoyles that turn to stone during the day. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 Showing off import sheets related to bats, seahorses and other creatures, Tlusty illustrated how this works. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 But the elusive marine creature’s last stronghold may have been found in a remote part of Indonesia — and scientists are racing to save it. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 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

creatural
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 2 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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