Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

gargoyle

Syllabification: (gar·goyle)
Pronunciation: /ˈgärˌgoil/
Translate gargoyle | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of gargoyle

noun

  • a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the gutter of a building, typically acting as a spout to carry water clear of a wall.

Derivatives

gargoyled

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French gargouille 'throat', also 'gargoyle' (because of the water passing through the throat and mouth of the figure); related to Greek gargarizein 'to gargle' (imitating the sounds made in the throat)

Remember that gargoyle ends with -oyle.

gargoyle in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of gargoyle in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kər /
noun
an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition …