gargoyle
noun
gar·goyle
| \ ˈgär-ˌgȯi(-ə)l
\
\
Definition of gargoyle
1a
: a spout in the form of a grotesque human or animal figure projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building
b
: a grotesquely carved figure
2
: a person with an ugly face
Illustration of gargoyle
gargoyle 1a
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Other Words from gargoyle
gargoyled
\ ˈgär-ˌgȯi(-ə)ld
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of gargoyle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Century-old pictures show the cathedral’s stone gargoyles that watch over the city, and stereocards capture its huge towers. — Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, "Notre Dame at the Getty: 38 works evoking beauty and loss from a ‘symphony of stone’," 31 July 2019 Some stretch downward, jaws agape; these are gargoyles, who vomit out the runoff of the rain (above). — Bruce Dale, National Geographic, "Adored, neglected, and restored: A 1968 Nat Geo feature explored Notre Dame," 17 Apr. 2019 The tour culminated in a homecoming gig the following summer, beneath the watchful eyes of the gargoyles at Cardiff Castle. — Longreads, "Manic Street Preachers’ Album The Holy Bible," 25 June 2019 Marvel at dozens of gargoyles, 135 Gothic spires darting into the heavens, and 3,140-plus statues, reportedly the most in any building anywhere. — Michael J. Bailey, BostonGlobe.com, "In Milan, a low-tech saunter through a mecca of high fashion," 18 June 2019 The gargoyles are approximately 2 feet by 2 feet and protrude about two feet out from the building. — Bulletin Board, Twin Cities, "Sunday Bulletin Board: There’s always something new to find in this ordinary old farmhouse," 16 June 2019 Inside, past an arched gateway bedecked by gargoyles, Leonardo ushers me back to the Renaissance. — Claudia Kalb, National Geographic, "Why Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliance endures, 500 years after his death," 12 June 2019 The gargoyles, their bony jaws in their hands, contemplating the most majestic of cities from their perch atop this 12th-century architectural wonder. — Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor, "Notre-Dame Cathedral Symbolizes the Power of Architecture to Transform Lives," 16 Apr. 2019 Massive gargoyles, shaped like the radiator caps of a Chrysler vehicle, would spread their wings at each corner of the building. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "A Friendship Turned to Rivalry. A Feud That Changed the New York Skyline.," 27 Mar. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gargoyle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for gargoyle
gargoyle
noun
English Language Learners Definition of gargoyle
: a strange or ugly human or animal figure that sticks out from the roof of a building (such as a church)
See the full definition for gargoyle in the English Language Learners Dictionary
gargoyle
noun
gar·goyle
| \ ˈgär-ˌgȯil
\
\
Kids Definition of gargoyle
: a strange or frightening human or animal figure that sticks out from the roof of a building and often serves as a waterspout
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