gothic

Everyday

1. (architecture, history) In the style of many churches and cathedrals built in Europe from about 1150 to 1500, with pointed arches, tall spires and big stained-glass windows. tree →
2. (stories) Gothic stories are spooky tales with old castles, ghosts, dark nights and mystery. tree →
3. Of the Goths, an old Germanic people, or their language. tree →
4. (Goth, informal) a style of dress and music with black clothes and dark make-up. tree →

In the lessons

History and art lessons: Gothic cathedrals such as Notre-Dame in Paris and Westminster Abbey in London. Reading: a gothic novel or a gothic mood (crumbling house, storm, candlelight). Fonts: «Gothic» or blackletter writing in old books.

Examples

• Westminster Abbey is built in the Gothic style. tree →
• Gothic windows have pointed tops. tree →
• The haunted castle in the story felt very gothic. tree →
• Her teenage cousin likes Goth music and black clothes. tree →
• We drew a Gothic cathedral with flying buttresses. tree →
• The old Bible was printed in Gothic letters. tree →
• The Goths were a people who fought against Rome. tree →
• Its walls are built of coral, and the long, gothic windows are of the clearest amber. tree →

Note

Usually capital G for the building style and the people (Gothic, Goths); small g is often used for the spooky mood (a gothic tale). Not every old church is Gothic; round arches are Romanesque/Norman.