Gothic

adjective Goth·ic \ ˈgä-thik \

Definition of Gothic

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

b : teutonic, germanic

c : medieval 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

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gothically

play \ˈgä-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Gothicness

play \ˈgä-thik-nəs\ noun

See Gothic defined for English-language learners

See Gothic defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of gothic

see ¹Goth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1591

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

Gothic

noun

Definition of Gothic

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

Origin and Etymology of gothic

see ¹Goth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1691

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Fine Arts Terms

baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

GOTHIC Defined for English Language Learners

Gothic

adjective

Definition of Gothic for English Language Learners

: of or relating to a style of writing that describes strange or frightening events that take place in mysterious places
: of or relating to a style of architecture that was popular in Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries and that uses pointed arches, thin and tall walls, and large windows