What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spook
Example
The loud noise spooked the cat and it ran away. [spooked: past tense verb]
Example
He's a spook working for the government. [spook: noun]
Example
The horse was spooked by the sound of thunder. [spooked: past participle]
ghost
Example
The old mansion is said to be haunted by a ghost. [ghost: noun]
Example
He ghosted me after our first date and I never heard from him again. [ghosted: past tense verb]
Example
The abandoned factory was a ghost town. [ghost: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ghost is more commonly used than spook in everyday language, especially in British English. Ghost is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spook is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spook and ghost?
Both spook and ghost are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
