gargoyle

[ gahr-goil ]

noun

1. a grotesquely carved figure of a human or animal.
2. a spout, terminating in a grotesque representation of a human or animal figure with open mouth, projecting from the gutter of a building for throwing rainwater clear of a building.

gargoyle

/ ˈɡɑːɡɔɪl /

noun

1. a waterspout carved in the form of a grotesque face or creature and projecting from a roof gutter, esp of a Gothic church
2. any grotesque ornament or projection, esp on a building
3. a person with a grotesque appearance

gargoyle

1. A sculpture depicting grotesque human shapes or evil spirits used in many buildings of the Middle Ages , most notably on Gothic cathedrals (see also cathedral ). Some gargoyles drained rainwater, sending it clear of the walls of the building.

Derived Forms

• ˈgargoyled, adjective

Other Words From

• gargoyled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gargoyle¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English gargoile, from Old French gargouille, gargoule literally, “throat”; gargle

Word History and Origins

Origin of gargoyle¹

C15: from Old French gargouille gargoyle, throat; see gargle

Example Sentences

He talked about going to an art show at the studio, and he saw a piece of a bunch of gargoyles sitting on a log flying kites.

From Los Angeles Times

A freeze frame of a frozen-faced Biden — taken from his wretched debate performance — loomed from the big screen in the convention hall like a geriatric gargoyle.

From Los Angeles Times

He gazed down at us like a furry gargoyle.

From Literature

Renaissance and Medieval pieces, and the “quality camp” or “fantasy furniture” he favored — weird and whimsical pieces embellished with mythical creatures; chairs sprouting antlers, torcheres bedecked with gargoyles, commodes atop griffin feet.

From New York Times

Dozens of sculptors have also remade and restored many of the gargoyles, religious icons and ornaments that adorned the original structure.

From BBC