gallows: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical, Literary, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “gallows” mean?
A structure, typically two upright posts and a crossbeam, used for executing people by hanging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A structure, typically two upright posts and a crossbeam, used for executing people by hanging.
The place or apparatus of execution by hanging; figuratively, a situation or atmosphere that feels like or foretells impending doom or severe punishment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identically strong associations with capital punishment, the law, and historical execution.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in modern usage, primarily found in historical, legal, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gallows” in a Sentence
N + V (the gallows awaited him)V + N (to build a gallows)Prep + N (sentenced to the gallows)Adj + N (grim gallows)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gallows” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Archaic) They threatened to gallows the traitor at dawn.
American English
- (Archaic) The sheriff vowed to gallows the outlaw.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common examples)
American English
- (Not standard; no common examples)
adjective
British English
- He told a gallows joke while awaiting the verdict.
American English
- The prisoner's gallows demeanor unnerved the guards.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically: 'The failing company's boardroom was filled with gallows humour.'
Academic
Used in historical, legal, and literary studies to discuss capital punishment and its societal impact.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Used figuratively: 'Waiting for the exam results felt like a trip to the gallows.'
Technical
Specific term in historical criminology and penology for the structure of execution.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gallows”
- Using it as a regular plural noun (e.g., 'many gallows' – while possible, 'many gallows trees' is more common). Incorrectly using 'gallows' to mean just the rope/noose.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually treated as a singular noun (e.g., 'a gallows was built'), though historically it could be plural. Today, 'gallows' is almost always singular.
In execution contexts, they are often synonyms. However, 'scaffold' can more broadly refer to any raised platform, while 'gallows' is specific to hanging. 'Gibbet' often refers to a post with an arm from which a body was displayed after hanging.
Yes, frequently. It's used metaphorically to describe any situation that feels like impending doom or severe punishment (e.g., 'the gallows of public opinion'). The phrase 'gallows humour' is a common figurative use.
It's a historical spelling from Old English 'galga'. The final '-s' was originally a suffix, and the pronunciation /-əʊz/ (or /-oʊz/) has been standard for centuries, similar to 'bellows'.
A structure, typically two upright posts and a crossbeam, used for executing people by hanging.
Gallows is usually historical, literary, figurative in register.
Gallows: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæləʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæloʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Gallows humour (grim, ironic humour in a dire situation)”
- “Have a gallows look (to look as if doomed)”
- “Cheat the gallows (to avoid execution)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two tall 'gallons' of milk standing upright with a crossbeam - a silly image for the grim 'gallows'.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE/INJUSTICE IS A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE, DOOM IS A DESTINATION.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'gallows humour' specifically refer to?