Gothic

1 of 2

adjective

Goth·​ic ˈgä-thik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language

b

: teutonic, germanic

c

: medieval sense 1

d

: uncouth, barbarous

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

ˈgä-thi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Gothicness

ˈgä-thik-nəs 

noun

Gothic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: black letter

b

: sans serif

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

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

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

Phrases Containing Gothic

• Gothic arch
• Gothic Revival
• neo-Gothic
• steamboat Gothic

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