Gothic

1 of 2

adjective

Goth·​ic ˈgä-thik How to pronounce Gothic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language
2
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of architecture developed in northern France and spreading through western Europe from the middle of the 12th century to the early 16th century that is characterized by the converging of weights and strains at isolated points upon slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by pointed arches and vaulting
Gothic cathedrals
b
: of or relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic
3
often not capitalized : of or relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents
Gothic novels
gothically adverb
Gothicness noun

Gothic

2 of 2

noun

1
2
: Gothic art style or decoration
specifically : the Gothic architectural style
3
: the East Germanic language of the Goths see Indo-European Languages Table
4
often not capitalized : a novel, film, or play in the gothic style

Examples of Gothic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The 860-year-old building, considered a cultural symbol, Gothic artpiece, and emblem of French pride, had its iconic spire collapse and wooden roof frame completely destroyed in the blaze. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2024 The art on view, in its day, was cutting-edge but infused with Gothic mystery, much as the best Christmases are about busy people, living in the present, gathering to reflect, reminisce, and hope for a miracle or two. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 7 Dec. 2024 Notre Dame has now been rebuilt to its former Gothic glory, with soaring ceilings, shiny stonework and murals restored to their original colors. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Dec. 2024 Restoration, costing hundreds of millions of euros, involved around 250 companies and numerous experts, meticulously preserving its Gothic essence and nearly 850-year history. Alfredo Mineo, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Gothic 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see Goth entry 1

Noun

see Goth entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Gothic was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near Gothic

Cite this Entry

“Gothic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gothic. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Gothic

adjective
Goth·​ic
ˈgäth-ik
: relating to or being an old style of architecture (as for churches) having pointed arches, thin tall walls, and large windows
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