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
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Noun
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral features stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 On March 20, the first full day of spring, the sun shone on mourners filing into St. Vincent Ferrer, the Gothic Revival church on Lexington Avenue. Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025 In the center of the market is the Red Mosque, which combines Islamic, Gothic and Neoclassical influences. Eric Wilson, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, in 2017, vocalist/mandolin player/guitarist Dan Tyminski released the project Southern Gothic, followed by 2023’s God Fearing Heathen. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gothic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gothic. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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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