1
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
1
a
b
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
Christian Wienberg, Fortune Europe, 16 Apr. 2024
Woodman’s pictures reveal a love for the weathered, the worn, and the darkly sensual, and establish her affinity, whether conscious or not, for the Gothic Surrealism of photographers like Clarence John Laughlin, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, and Frederick Sommer.
—Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2024
It was linked to the Wielbark culture, a Gothic society that dwelled in modern-day Poland between the first and fifth centuries A.D.
The grave, known as feature 1927, constituted a sandy pit, at the bottom of which an urn was found.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024
Recently, workers wrapped up a year-long project to install 438 solar panels on the English Gothic church’s roof.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
The original structure, designed by Charles Coolidge Haight in French chateau style with English Gothic trim, served as the New York Cancer Hospital, a cancer treatment and research institution.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024
The gatehouse, known for its ornate Victorian Gothic design, includes an arched gateway at Calvary Cemetery's entrance, a bell tower, and a two-story building that served as the cemetery office as well as a residence for caretakers and their families.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
Frailty is a sleeper gem that puts a Southern Gothic spin on biblical horror and the terror of a cruel and fickle God.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Stop to admire the likes of the Grand Théâtre, the Gothic Tour Pey-Berland, or the Basilica of Saint Severinus.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024
Noun
France then embarked on a nearly $900 million refurbishment of the Gothic sanctuary that’s soon nearing an end.
—Christian Wienberg, Fortune Europe, 16 Apr. 2024
Woodman’s pictures reveal a love for the weathered, the worn, and the darkly sensual, and establish her affinity, whether conscious or not, for the Gothic Surrealism of photographers like Clarence John Laughlin, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, and Frederick Sommer.
—Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2024
It was linked to the Wielbark culture, a Gothic society that dwelled in modern-day Poland between the first and fifth centuries A.D.
The grave, known as feature 1927, constituted a sandy pit, at the bottom of which an urn was found.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024
Recently, workers wrapped up a year-long project to install 438 solar panels on the English Gothic church’s roof.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
The original structure, designed by Charles Coolidge Haight in French chateau style with English Gothic trim, served as the New York Cancer Hospital, a cancer treatment and research institution.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024
The gatehouse, known for its ornate Victorian Gothic design, includes an arched gateway at Calvary Cemetery's entrance, a bell tower, and a two-story building that served as the cemetery office as well as a residence for caretakers and their families.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
Frailty is a sleeper gem that puts a Southern Gothic spin on biblical horror and the terror of a cruel and fickle God.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Stop to admire the likes of the Grand Théâtre, the Gothic Tour Pey-Berland, or the Basilica of Saint Severinus.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Gothic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near Gothic
Cite this Entry
“Gothic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gothic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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