Main Entry:

¹gau·dy

Pronunciation:

\ˈgȯ-dē, ˈgä-\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

gaud·i·er; gaud·i·est

Date:

1582

1: ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented2: marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : outlandish <gaudy lies> <gaudy claims> ; also : exceptional <a gaudy batting average>

— gaud·i·ly \ˈgȯ-də-lē, ˈgä-\ adverb

— gaud·i·ness \ˈgȯ-dē-nəs, ˈgä-\ noun

synonyms gaudy, tawdry, garish, flashy, meretricious mean vulgarly or cheaply showy. gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation <circus performers in gaudy costumes>. tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy <tawdry saloons>. garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright <garish neon signs>. flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar <a flashy nightclub act>. meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise <a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.