gargoyle

noun

gar·​goyle ˈgär-ˌgȯi(-ə)l 

1

a

: a spout in the form of a grotesque human or animal figure projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building

b

: a grotesquely carved figure

2

: a person with an ugly face

gargoyled

ˈgär-ˌgȯi(-ə)ld 

adjective

Illustration of gargoyle

• gargoyle 1a

Did you know?

In the 12th century, St. Bernard of Clairvaux reportedly complained about the new sculptures in the cloisters where he lived. "Surely," he is quoted as saying, "if we do not blush for such absurdities we should at least regret what we have spent on them." St. Bernard was apparently provoked by the grotesque figures designed to drain rainwater from buildings. By the 13th century, those figures were being called gargoyles, a name that came to Middle English from the Old French word gargoule. The stone beasts likely earned that name because of the water that gargled out of their throats and mouths; the word gargoule is imitative in origin.

Examples of gargoyle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While retaining an old-school, aristocratic vibe, Adare's fanciful gargoyles, genuinely warm staff, grand and intimate spaces, and super-comfortable rooms make it somewhere uniquely and unabashedly the Ireland of now. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Just like Gideon’s has a creepy yet adorable gargoyle named Morsels, Six Ravens will have its own character for fans to connect with. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026

This Lego building set recreates Wednesday and Enid's iconic dorm room at Nevermore Academy, full of recognizable features including a spiderweb window that opens, a base with buttons that open secret drawers, and a balcony with 4 gargoyles. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 27 Nov. 2025

Join the crowds taking photos of the ornate building from the piazza, and then ascend to the terrace to marvel at the 135 gargoyles and other carvings up close and take in the city’s skyline. —Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gargule, gargoyl, from Old French gargoule

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gargoyle

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• topsoil
• trefoil
• turmoil
• aerofoil

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Kids Definition

gargoyle

noun

gar·​goyle ˈgär-ˌgȯil 

: a waterspout in the form of a strange or frightening human or animal figure sticking out at the roof or eaves of a building