boogeyman
noun
boo·gey·man
ˈbu̇-gē-ˌman 
ˈbü-
variants
or less commonly boogerman
ˈbu̇-gər-
ˈbü-
: bogeyman
Examples of boogeyman in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Though the dream stalker is genuinely terrifying in the 1984 original, his cultural ubiquity grew as the character became less of a boogeyman than a kind of homicidal jester, one who spouts groan-worthy one-liners before spilling your guts.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
The case shocked the nation and Gein became a pop culture boogeyman whose crimes inspired numerous horror films, including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Psycho, and The Silence of the Lambs.
—Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Eight Fingers Nine sets up a simple story of a boogeyman who is everywhere and coming to get you.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Better figure out a way past that boogeyman.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for boogeyman
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.
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
The case shocked the nation and Gein became a pop culture boogeyman whose crimes inspired numerous horror films, including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Psycho, and The Silence of the Lambs.
—Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Eight Fingers Nine sets up a simple story of a boogeyman who is everywhere and coming to get you.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Better figure out a way past that boogeyman.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for boogeyman
Cite this Entry
“Boogeyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boogeyman. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share