¹Gothic

adjective Goth·ic \ˈgä-thik\

: 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

Full Definition of GOTHIC

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

b : teutonic, germanic

c : medieval 1

d : uncouth, barbarous

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

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

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

— goth·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— Goth·ic·ness \-thik-nəs\ noun

See Gothic defined for English-language learners

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