plural cryptids
: an animal (such as Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster) that has been claimed to exist but never proven to exist
Contrary to popular belief, cryptids don't have to be supernatural, mythical or even all that strange—though many popular creatures acquire these characteristics as their legends grow.—
Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams… fighting the Grafton Monster—a monstrous cryptid vaguely resembling a cross between Bigfoot and a seal …—Alan Olson
Alan OlsonExamples of cryptid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My new book Mothman Is My Boyfriend is set in a fictional town where humans and monsters (specifically cryptids) live together—and date each other.
—
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
Even as Chasing Bigfoot sends shockwaves through cryptid communities, spikes of Bigfoot sightings have reportedly arisen in Ohio (perfectly in line with all of the weird Ohio memes).
—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2026
The event will feature cryptid experts, vendors, and special screenings for attendees.
—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Mar. 2026
Via a sly, clever and potent allegory, the English singer-songwriter, who is trans, depicts the world of a vibrant but vilified cryptid community that finally rises up in the face of prejudice — not to attack, but simply to exist.
—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptid
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.
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
Even as Chasing Bigfoot sends shockwaves through cryptid communities, spikes of Bigfoot sightings have reportedly arisen in Ohio (perfectly in line with all of the weird Ohio memes).
—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2026
The event will feature cryptid experts, vendors, and special screenings for attendees.
—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Mar. 2026
Via a sly, clever and potent allegory, the English singer-songwriter, who is trans, depicts the world of a vibrant but vilified cryptid community that finally rises up in the face of prejudice — not to attack, but simply to exist.
—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptid
Cite this Entry
“Cryptid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptid. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
