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

This Relais & Chateau hotel is located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and is named for the charming and historic square adjacent to it. —Jamie Ditaranto, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2024

Buy Now 03 of 14 Gothic: 'A Dowry of Blood' by S. T. Gibson Gothic fantasy is a literary atmosphere more than anything, defined by the typically Gothic ambience of the gloomy and the mysterious. —Marianne Gordon, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024

The 24-year-old singer-songwriter’s Gothic music is, at times, a refresh of Greek mythology, religion and art. —Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 19 June 2024

See the Best Photos of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster's Wedding Hugh and Olivia announced their engagement in April 2023 and wed at Chester Cathedral, choosing the Gothic church as their wedding venue for its beauty and long association with the groom's family. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 8 June 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