Definition of ghost story

The term "ghost story" is a relatively modern invention, emerging in the 18th century. It combines the word "ghost," meaning the spirit of a deceased person, with "story," a narrative. The concept of ghost stories, however, is much older. Folklore and mythology across cultures have long featured tales of spirits, hauntings, and the afterlife, providing the foundation for the modern ghost story genre. The term's rise in the 18th century likely reflects the growing popularity of supernatural fiction and the desire to categorize these tales.