gallows
Gallows (noun) means a wooden frame used for hanging condemned prisoners. Example: “The prisoner was led to the gallows at dawn.”
How to use gallows
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe structure used for hanging executions, and by extension anything darkly fatalistic.
"Gallows humor" means joking about grim or fatal situations, not humor about the structure itself.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The prisoner was led to the _____ at dawn.
Etymology
From Old English galga, related to words in other Germanic languages for a pole or gallows frame; the plural-looking form probably refers to the two upright beams.
Rhymes for gallows
See all rhymes for gallows →Frequently asked questions
What does “gallows” mean?
The word “gallows” means a wooden frame used for hanging condemned prisoners. In plain terms, the structure used for hanging executions, and by extension anything darkly fatalistic.
How do you pronounce “gallows”?
“Gallows” is pronounced GA-lohz (/ˈɡæloʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “gallows” in a sentence?
Here is “gallows” used in a sentence: “The prisoner was led to the gallows at dawn.”
What part of speech is “gallows”?
“Gallows” is a noun.
Where does the word “gallows” come from?
The word “gallows” comes from Old English. From Old English galga, related to words in other Germanic languages for a pole or gallows frame; the plural-looking form probably refers to the two upright beams.
Is “gallows” a common word?
“Gallows” is an uncommon word in modern English.