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 popular in Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries that features pointed arches, thin walls, and large windows

Gothic cathedrals

Gothic arches

b

: of or relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic

3

often gothic : of or relating to a style of fiction that describes remote settings and 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 gothic : a novel, film, or play in the gothic style

Examples of Gothic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Irving then alerts us to the prevalence of bewitchment in the region, setting us up for the Gothic tale to follow. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

So begins The Good Daughter, a six-episode Southern Gothic tale debuting on November 12 that promises catharsis for those who embrace the story’s grim introduction. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

The other finalists, announced earlier this spring, were Ariel Courage for Bad Nature, Kyle Edwards for Small Ceremonies, Harris Lahti for Foreclosure Gothic, and Stephanie Wambugu for Lonely Crowds. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

The sole film helmed by Oscar-winning actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter is one of the great one-off directorial efforts, a nervy chase movie drenched in Southern Gothic atmosphere. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026

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

Rhymes for Gothic

• hypothec

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