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Definition of eerie

eerie

/ˈɪri/
ee · rie
Adverb:eerily
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eerie Lexical Profile

eerie Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Strange, mysterious, and unsettling in a way that inspires a vague sense of dread or supernatural unease.

Example

"An eerie silence fell over the abandoned village as the dense evening fog rolled in."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for eerie
Antonyms
View all antonyms for eerie

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'eerie' (uncanny or spooky) with 'aerie' (the high nest of a bird of prey) or 'Erie' (the name of a Great Lake and a Native American people), which are homophones.

• Rhymes for eerie

• Nearby Words

eelgrass
eelpout
eensy
eerie
eerily
eeriness
eff

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating from Middle English 'eri' or 'erghe' (meaning fearful or timid), likely derived from Old English 'earg' (cowardly or wretched). The word was preserved primarily in Scottish and northern English dialects before entering wider literary English in the late 18th century through writers such as Robert Burns.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Eerie. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/eerie
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