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Webster 1913 Edition

Creeper

Creep′er

(krēp′ẽr)
,
Noun.
1.
One who, or that which, creeps; any creeping thing.
Standing waters are most unwholesome, . . . full of mites,
creepers
; slimy, muddy, unclean.
Burton.
2.
(Bot.)
A plant that clings by rootlets, or by tendrils, to the ground, or to trees, etc.;
as, the Virginia
creeper
(
Ampelopsis quinquefolia
)
.
3.
(Zool.)
A small bird of the genus
Certhia
, allied to the wrens. The brown or common European creeper is
Certhia familiaris
, a variety of which (var.
Americana
) inhabits America; – called also
tree creeper
and
creeptree
. The American black and white creeper is
Mniotilta varia
.
4.
A kind of patten mounted on short pieces of iron instead of rings; also, a fixture with iron points worn on a shoe to prevent one from slipping.
5.
pl.
A spurlike device strapped to the boot, which enables one to climb a tree or pole; – called often
telegraph creepers
.
6.
A small, low iron, or dog, between the andirons.
7.
pl.
An instrument with iron hooks or claws for dragging at the bottom of a well, or any other body of water, and bringing up what may lie there.
8.
Any device for causing material to move steadily from one part of a machine to another, as an apron in a carding machine, or an inner spiral in a grain screen.
9.
pl.
(Arch.)
Crockets. See
Crocket
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Creeper

CREEPER

,
Noun.
1.
One who creeps; that which creeps; a reptile; also, a creeping plant, which moves along the surface of the earth or attaches itself to some other body, as ivy.
2.
An iron used to slide along the grate in kitchens.
3.
A kind of pattern or clog worn by women.
4.
Creeper or creepers, an instrument of iron with hooks or claws, for drawing up things from the bottom of a well, river or harbor.
5.
A genus of birds, the Certhia, or ox-eye, of many species. These birds run along the body or branch of a tree, and when they observe a person near, they run to the side opposite, so as to keep out of sight.

Definition 2024

creeper

creeper

English

Noun

creeper ‎(plural creepers)

  1. A person or a thing who crawls or creeps.
    • Burton
      Standing waters are most unwholesome, […] full of mites, creepers; slimy, muddy, unclean.
  2. Often in plural, a one-piece garment for infants designed to facilitate access to the wearer's diaper.
  3. A device which allows a small child to safely roam around a room from a seated or standing position.
  4. A metal plate with spikes, designed to be worn with shoes to prevent slipping.
  5. A spur-like device strapped to the boot to facilitate climbing.
  6. (chiefly in the plural) A small low iron, or dog, between the andirons.
  7. An instrument with iron hooks or claws for dredging up items from a well or other water.
  8. Any device for causing material to move steadily from one part of a machine to another, such as an apron in a carding machine, or an inner spiral in a grain screen.
  9. Any plant (as ivy or periwinkle) that grows by creeping; especially a climbing plant of the genus Parthenocissus.
  10. A treecreeper.
  11. (nautical) A small four-hooked grapnel used to recover objects dropped onto the sea bed.
  12. The lowest gear of a tractor or truck; also creeper gear, creeper shift.
  13. A low-profile wheeled platform whereupon an auto mechanic may lie on their back and gain better access to the underbody of a vehicle.
  14. (pejorative, slang) A person who creeps people out; a creepy person.
    Don't go to a nightclub to find a boyfriend. They're all creepers there.
  15. A kind of shoe, usually with a suede upper and a thick crepe sole, associated with various twentieth-century subcultures.

Synonyms

Translations

Etymology

creep +‎ -er

Slang usage derived from phrase "give the creeps" or "creep out" (distinct from givers from give, or merely one who creeps)

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkɹipɚ/
  • Rhymes: -iːpə(r)

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