ENGLISH
REFERENCE

creeping

adj. · n.
US //ˈkɹipɪŋ// UK //kɹˈiːpɪŋ// creep·ing
  1. 1 slow and gradual (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening or spreading very slowly, often in a way that you do not notice at first.

    occurring or developing by slow, imperceptible degrees; often used to describe an insidious or unwanted progression.

    Example

    The company is worried about the creeping costs of the new project.

    Example

    Economists warned that creeping inflation could erode the value of household savings if the central bank failed to intervene early.
  2. 2 moving stealthily (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    moving slowly and quietly so that nobody hears or sees you.

    moving with stealth or caution to avoid detection. Often used as a participle describing a physical action.

    Example

    He heard a creeping sound on the stairs late at night.

    Example

    The creeping figure in the shadows turned out to be nothing more than a stray cat exploring the alleyway.
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  1. 3 growing along the ground (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    describing a plant that grows along the ground or up a wall rather than standing straight.

    growing along the ground or other surfaces by means of extending stems or runners.

    Example

    Creeping ivy covered the entire side of the old stone cottage.

    Example

    The gardener recommended a creeping variety of thyme to fill the gaps between the paving stones in the courtyard.
  2. 4 the act of moving slowly (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    the slow, quiet movement of someone or something.

    the action or instance of moving stealthily or growing in a spreading manner.

    Example

    The slow creeping of the mist across the fields made the morning feel eerie.

    Example

    The silent creeping of the tide eventually cut off the path back to the mainland, catching the hikers by surprise.
Etymology 1

From Middle English crepynge, crepinde, crepende, crepande, from Old English crēopende, from Proto-Germanic kreupandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic kreupaną (“to creep, crawl”), equivalent to creep + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English creping, crepynge, from Old English crēopung, equivalent to creep + -ing.

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