adjective Uncommon

Gothic

GOTH-ihk

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Gothic (adjective) means relating to the medieval European architectural style with tall pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows. Example: “Notre-Dame in Paris is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture.”

adjective

Relating to the medieval European architectural style with tall pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows.

"Notre-Dame in Paris is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture."

Describing fiction that mixes romance with horror, usually set in crumbling castles, mansions, or other gloomy places.

"Dracula is considered a classic of Gothic fiction."

Relating to the goth subculture, its music, and fashion.

"The band's gothic sound leans heavily on minor chords and reverb-drenched vocals."

noun

A novel written in the Gothic style, full of mystery, dread, and romance.

"She spent the summer reading gothics by candlelight."

How to use Gothic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCan mean the pointed-arch building style, the dark romantic-horror fiction genre, or the goth subculture.

Common mistake

Capitalize "Gothic" when referring to the historical people, architecture, or literary genre; lowercase "gothic" is common for the modern subculture.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Gothics
Comparative: more Gothic
Superlative: most Gothic

Test yourself on “Gothic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Notre-Dame in Paris is one of the finest examples of _____ architecture.

Etymology

From Late Latin gothicus ("of the Goths"), originally used as an insult meaning "barbaric" before being applied to medieval architecture and, centuries later, to a horror-tinged style of fiction and music.

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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goth medieval mediaeval

Antonyms

classical

Related words

pop classic classical medieval quantum peasant barbarian goth

Frequently asked questions

What does “Gothic” mean?

The word “Gothic” means relating to the medieval European architectural style with tall pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows. In plain terms, can mean the pointed-arch building style, the dark romantic-horror fiction genre, or the goth subculture.

How do you pronounce “Gothic”?

“Gothic” is pronounced GOTH-ihk (/ˈɡɑ.θɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “Gothic” in a sentence?

Here is “Gothic” used in a sentence: “Notre-Dame in Paris is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture.”

What part of speech is “Gothic”?

Depending on how it is used, “Gothic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “Gothic” come from?

The word “Gothic” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin gothicus ("of the Goths"), originally used as an insult meaning "barbaric" before being applied to medieval architecture and, centuries later, to a horror-tinged style of fiction and music.

Is “Gothic” a common word?

“Gothic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Gothic” have?

“Gothic” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the medieval European architectural style with tall pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows.

What is the difference between Gothic architecture and Gothic fiction?

Gothic architecture refers to the medieval European style featuring tall pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows, while Gothic fiction is a literary genre that mixes romance with horror, typically set in crumbling castles, mansions, or other gloomy places. The fiction genre borrowed its name and atmosphere from the architectural style's dramatic, moody settings.

What is the difference between "Gothic" and "goth"?

"Gothic" as used for the subculture describes things relating to goth music and fashion, essentially functioning as an adjective form, while "goth" is the more common everyday term for the subculture and its members. In casual use, "goth" is far more frequent, while "Gothic" appears more often in reference to the architecture or literary genre.

Is "Gothic" always capitalized?

"Gothic" is typically capitalized when referring to the architectural style, the literary genre, or the goth subculture and its associated music and fashion, since these all relate to a specific named style or movement. Lowercase "gothic" sometimes appears in more general descriptive use, but capitalization is the standard convention.

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