Gargoyle: meaning, definitions and examples

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gargoyle

 

[ หˆษกษ‘หrษกษ”ษชl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

architectural ornament

A gargoyle is a carved stone creature, often resembling a grotesque figure, that is typically found on the exterior of buildings, especially Gothic cathedrals. Its primary function is to direct water away from the sides of the building to prevent erosion and water damage. Gargoyles are often used as decorative features, and many depict animals or mythical beings. They have been a part of architectural design since the Middle Ages.

Synonyms

grotesque, ornament, statue

Examples of usage

  • The cathedral features multiple gargoyles along its roofline.
  • Many tourists are drawn to the grotesque gargoyle sculptures.
  • Gargoyles once served a functional purpose in architecture.

Translations

Translations of the word "gargoyle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gรกrgula

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคฐเฅเค—เฅ‰เคฏเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gargoyle

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gargoyle

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั€ะธั„ะพะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gargulec

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฌใƒผใ‚ดใ‚คใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gargouille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gรกrgola

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gargoyle

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€๊ณ ์ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุงุฑุบูˆูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gargojl

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ gargojl

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ“ฅ็‰นๅผ้›•ๅƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gargojl

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gargรณil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะฐั€ะดะพะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ แƒ’แƒฃแƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gargoyle

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gรกrgola

Etymology

The word 'gargoyle' originates from the Old French word 'gargouille', which means 'throat' or 'gullet', referring to the water spout functionality of these figures, as they were designed to channel rainwater away from the building. The use of gargoyles dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, but they became prominent in medieval architecture, particularly during the Gothic period in Europe. These structures were not only functional but also served a decorative purpose, with many artisans carving intricate details into them. Gargoyles often represented wicked spirits or evoked fear, intended to protect the buildings and their inhabitants from evil forces. Their grotesque forms were believed to distract evil spirits from the building, while they also became popular motifs in literature and art.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,169 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.