gargoyle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, historical, architectural
Quick answer
What does “gargoyle” mean?
A grotesque carved figure, often in the form of a mythical creature, projecting from the gutter of a building (especially a Gothic church) to carry rainwater clear of the wall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grotesque carved figure, often in the form of a mythical creature, projecting from the gutter of a building (especially a Gothic church) to carry rainwater clear of the wall.
Any grotesque or monstrous figure or face; by extension, a person with grotesque, ugly, or monstrous features.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The word is used identically in architectural and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Shared connotations of Gothic architecture, history, and grotesque aesthetics.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, encountered in similar contexts (tourism, architecture, history, fantasy genres).
Grammar
How to Use “gargoyle” in a Sentence
[to be + covered/ornamented/adorned/decorated + with + gargoyles][gargoyle + of + NOUN (e.g., cathedral)][gargoyle + in + the shape/form + of + NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gargoyle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The architect chose to gargoyle the corners of the new cathedral's spire, a homage to the Gothic style.
American English
- The building was heavily gargoyled, with fantastical creatures peering from every eave.
adverb
British English
- He stared gargoylely from the window.
American English
- The creature sat gargoyle-like on the parapet.
adjective
British English
- His gargoyle-like visage was unforgettable.
American English
- She had a gargoyle frown that scared the children.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in art history, architecture, and medieval studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing architecture, tourism, or as a humorous/dated insult for ugliness.
Technical
Specific term in architecture and historical restoration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gargoyle”
- Misspelling as 'gargoyle' is rare. Using it as a general synonym for 'statue' without the grotesque/architectural element is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes. A 'true' gargoyle is a carved waterspout. Non-functional grotesque carvings are often called 'grotesques' or 'chimera'.
Yes, but it's dated, literary, or humorous. It means a very ugly or grotesque-looking person.
The most famous are on Gothic cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris, Chartres Cathedral, and the Washington National Cathedral.
A gargoyle is designed to convey water. A grotesque is a similar decorative carving of a monstrous creature but does not function as a waterspout.
A grotesque carved figure, often in the form of a mythical creature, projecting from the gutter of a building (especially a Gothic church) to carry rainwater clear of the wall.
Gargoyle is usually formal, literary, historical, architectural in register.
Gargoyle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑː.ɡɔɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːr.ɡɔɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not in my backyard, you gargoyle! (humorous, insulting)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GARGOYLE sounds like 'GARGlE' - they look like stone monsters gargling rainwater from the roof.
Conceptual Metaphor
UGLINESS IS A MONSTROUS STONE CREATURE ("He had a face like a gargoyle.")
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary architectural function of a traditional gargoyle?