ghostly

adjective

ghost·​ly ˈgōst-lē 

ghostlier; ghostliest

1

: of or relating to the soul : spiritual

2

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost : spectral

ghostliness noun

ghostly adverb

Examples of ghostly in a Sentence

A ghostly figure appears in the house at night.

Recent Examples on the Web

This ghostly nature to phase through matter arises from the fact that neutrinos are completely chargeless, virtually massless, and race through the cosmos at near the speed of light, unimpeded. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

From ghostly needlepoint pillows to pumpkin patch candles, cozy throw blankets, outdoor decor, coffee mugs, serving bowls, and more, these Halloween picks are perfect for welcoming the new season in style. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026

The large works seem to be on the verge of becoming ghostly, bleached by the same relentless Florida sunlight that makes Miami Beach so visually seductive. — Erin Parish, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

In it, the tantric saint Krishnananda Agambagish takes on a band of ghostly dacoits in 17th-century Bengal. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ghostly

• mostly

Kids Definition

ghostly

adjective

ghost·​ly ˈgōst-lē 

ghostlier; ghostliest

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a ghost

ghostliness noun