gallows

American  

[gal-ohz, -uhz] / ˈgæl oʊz, -əz /

noun

plural

gallowses, gallows

1. a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.

2. a similar structure from which something is suspended.

3. execution by hanging.

   a crime deserving of the gallows.

4. Also called gallows bitts.  Nautical. a support on the deck of a vessel, generally one of two or more, consisting of a crosspiece on two uprights, for spars, boats, etc.

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gallows British  

/ ˈɡæləʊz /

noun

1. a wooden structure usually consisting of two upright posts with a crossbeam from which a rope is suspended, used for hanging criminals

2. any timber structure resembling this, such as (in Australia and New Zealand) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle

3. execution by hanging

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Etymology

Origin of gallows

before 900; Middle English galwes, Old English g ( e ) algan, plural of g ( e ) alga gallows; cognate with German Galgen

Explanation

During the Salem witch trials in the late 1600s, women accused of witchcraft were executed by hanging, a gruesome process that involves a gallows, or wooden frame from which a person is hung by a rope. A gallows is a frame, usually wood, that is made up of a horizontal crossbeam from which a noose or rope is suspended. The word gallows has an s at the end of it because a gallows usually consists of two upright poles and a crossbeam. As a form of capital punishment, hanging is outlawed in almost every state, making the use of gallows these days very rare. If you see one, it will be in a museum.

Example Sentences

For local establishments, the newly offered specials are part gallows humor, part business gamble.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

"There's a gallows humour about the party, a 'well it can't get any worse, can it?' strange jovialness which is kind of bonding," says one Tory MP.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

Newsrooms being breeding grounds for gallows humor, most also understand that futility is a terrific comedy catalyst.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2025

These songs tap into the bottomless well that Mexicans have for gallows humor.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

He is the all-father, the lord of the slain, the gallows god.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman