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An extinct Germanic language, once spoken by the Goths. examples
Certain moths of the family Noctuidae. examples
A particular species of moth of the family Noctuidae, Naenia typica. examples
comparative more Gothic, superlative most Gothic
Of or relating to the Goths or their language. examples
(figuratively) Barbarous, rude, unpolished, belonging to the “Dark Ages”, medieval as opposed to classical. quotations examples
“[W]hat he holds of all things to be most gothic, is gallantry to the women.”
1782, Frances Burney, Cecilia, II.iii.6
Enormities which gleam like comets through the darkness of gothic and superstitious ages.
1812 letter, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Prose Works, volume II, quoted in OED, published 1888, page 384
(architecture) Of or relating to the architectural style favored in Western Europe in the 12th to 16th centuries, with high-pointed arches, clustered columns, etc. quotations examples
Or does the L.C.C. [London County Council] dislike nineteenth century Gothic?
1944 January and February, C. F. Cobon, “The County of London Plan”, in Railway Magazine, page 24
The Gothic style did not cease to exist: it did, however, cease to be all-powerful, and it almost ceased to create new forms. Gothic architects had by this time drawn every possible conclusion from the premises which had been laid down […]
2000, Paul Frankl, Paul Crossley, Gothic Architecture, Yale University Press, page 258
(literature) Of or relating to the style of fictional writing associated with Gothic fiction, emphasizing violent or macabre events in a mysterious, desolate setting. quotations examples
Shelley's two early novels Zastrozzi and St. Irvyne are, as many scholars have noted, obviously connected to the tradition of the Gothic novel; as well, two volumes of early poetry contain Gothic elements and his tragedy The Cenci has been […]
1975, John V. Murphy, The Dark Angel: Gothic Elements in Shelley's Works, Bucknell University Press, page 9
(typography, England) Synonym of black letter examples
(typography, US) Of a sans serif typeface using straight, even-width lines, also known as grotesque. examples
Of or relating to the goth subculture, music or lifestyle. quotations examples
Why is this gothic glam so popular?
1983 December 24, “OED”, in New Musical Express
plural Gothics
A novel written in the Gothic style. quotations examples
One hundred fifty Gothics sold over 1.5 million copies a month last spring.
1996, Nora Sayre, Sixties going on seventies, page 180