zombie

Definition

A person, usually undead, animated by unnatural forces (such as magic), with no soul or will of his or her own.

Etymology

First attested in the 18th century. From a Bantu language. Compare Kongo nzambi (“god”), zumbi (“fetish”), and Kimbundu nzumbi (“ghost”) (see Portuguese zumbi, Sranan Tongo dyumbi), and Caribbean folklore's jumbee (“a spirit or demon”). May have come through Louisiana Creole zombi (“zombie; ghost”). See also French zombi (“zombie”). A possible origin from Spanish sombra (“shadow, phantom”) has also been suggested.

Example Sentences

• "Betsy Connell: I don't know about zombies, doctor. Just what is a zombie? / Dr. Maxwell: A ghost. A living dead. It's also a drink."
• "The zombies were having fun The party had just begun The guests included Wolf-Man, Dracula, and his son."
• "Ashley: Dad passed on a few years back. He's probably still watching, though. Shepard: He's not a zombie, is he?"