ghost story

noun

1
: a story about ghosts
2
: a tale based on imagination rather than fact

Examples of ghost story in a Sentence

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 project is still in early development, but the reports say the series is envisioned as a modern update on the classic ghost story. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 The best East Coast road trip route hits eight cities packed with content-worthy moments, late-night food halls, ghost stories and beach-town vibes — all in one stretch of coastline. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026 The film adaptation will expand beyond the game’s premise by folding in local urban legends, ghost stories, and old Vietnamese customs. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 May 2026 While Beloved may be her ghost story, the border between Life and Afterlife is even less distinguishable in Paradise. — Via Catapult, Literary Hub, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ghost story

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ghost story was in 1730

Rhymes for ghost story

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Browse Nearby Words

ghost spot
ghost story
ghost town
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ghost story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghost%20story. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ghost story

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ghost story

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