Gothic
1 of 2adjective
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 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
Gothic cathedrals
b
: of or relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic
3
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
Gothic novels
gothically
ˈgä-thi-k(ə-)lē
adverb Gothicness
ˈgä-thik-nəs
noun Gothic
2 of 2noun
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 not capitalized : a novel, film, or play in the gothic style
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