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Definitions

boogeyman

[boog-ee-man, boo-gee-] / ˈbʊg iˌmæn, ˈbu gi- /






Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The market is seeing a boogeyman that frankly doesn’t exist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Artificial intelligence could be the boogeyman that gnaws at market share.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Was Deen really an early victim of the fictitious celebrity boogeyman now known as “cancel culture,” or was she appropriately harangued?

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2025

With Moses as boogeyman, we are spared the more challenging question: Why did his worst decisions seem like such great ideas to so many people in the first place?

From Slate • Sep. 16, 2024

"Examine your consciences," Sandi said in a boogeyman voice.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez