Creature
/ˈkriː.tʃər/noun
A living being, especially a non-human animal.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'creature' was often used to refer to beings created by divine power, linking the word to concepts of life and existence itself.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
creatura
“Something created, a being.”
Old French
Old French
creature
“A created being, often with connotations of divine origin.”
Middle English
Middle English
creature
“A living being or entity, often with spiritual implications.”
Modern English
English
creature
“A term for any living being, especially animals, reflecting its roots in creation.”
Explore more surprising origins