goth

plural goths

1. uncountableA punk-derived subculture of people who predominantly dress in black and usually old fashioned clothing, associated with mournful and macabre music and attitudes.

   Philip has been into goth for many years, haven't you dear?

   1 more example

   I think that goth could flower in nerdcore's embrace. I converted Edward Gorey's lettering into a typeface, befriended vampires on LJ [LiveJournal] and MySpace, even put that spooky echo filter on the bass[…]

   2005, “Goth Girls”, in MC Frontalot (music), Nerdcore Rising

2. uncountableentertainmentA style of punk rock influenced by glam rock; gothic rock.
3. countableA person who is part of the goth subculture.

   We saw a solitary goth hanging out on a ledge by the train station.

   1 more example

   And how come you never see goths driving cars? We drive cars... We're just like you really, except that we listen to Cradle of Filth.

   2006 Feb. 17, Graham Linehan, The IT Crowd, Season 1, Episode 4

4. UKcountableslangA member of any alternative subculture based around rock music.

   The park often sees fights between chavs and goths.

   1 more example

   Goth bashing became horribly fashionable in the noughties. In August 2007, another peaceful goth couple were attacked in a skate park because of the way they looked.

   2010 April 26, Garry Bushell, Hoolies: True Stories of Britain's Biggest Street Battles, Kings Road Publishing, →ISBN

   Synonyms: emo, grebo, greeber, mosher, rocker

5. rareRare form of Goth.

   By much, they are a horde of all nations, a goth-like banditti, savage and wild, whose numbers bid defiance to all around; […]

   1809, an Englishman [pseudonym; Thomas Wilson], The Fortunate Departure; an Historical Account Dramatised, as Best Suited to Convey an Idea of the Horrid Excesses Committed by the French Army, on Their Irruption into Portugal; and the Fortunate Departure of the Prince Regent and Family, on the Eve of Their Entrance into Lisbon. […], London: […] Sherwood, Neely and Jones, […]; and J. Asperne, […], act III, scene i, page 41

   2 more examples

   At Madras we arriv’d in the height of confuſion, / A ſcene all occaſion’d by Hyder’s intruſion; / A goth-like invader! who doth us all keep / Penn’d up in a fort, like a ſcar’d flock of ſheep; […]

   1786 April, “Account of the India Guide: or, A Journal of a Voyage to the East-Indies in the Year 1780. In a Poetical Epistle to her Mother. By Miss Emily Brittle. Printed at Calcutta in 1785.”, in Walker’s Hibernian Magazine: or, Compendium of Entertaining Knowledge, […], Dublin: […] Thomas Walker […], page 192, column 2

   In 1843, in the course of agricultural improvements, Mr. Byrse committed a very goth-like deed, to wit, blasting with gunpowder two excellent specimens of clachchriothir, or rocking-stones—and building the remains into dikes!

   1856, David MacGregor Peter, “Byrse of Hillhead”, in The Baronage of Angus and Mearns. Comprising the Genealogy of Three Hundred and Sixty Families—Curious Anecdotes—Descriptions of Clan Tartans, Badges, Slogans, Armory, and Seats—Ancient Sculptures, &c. […], Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd, […]; Montrose: Alex[ander] Rodgers, […], page 34

comparative gother · superlative gothest

1. Relating to goth music or people.

   With her black clothes and dyed hair, Melanie looked very goth compared to her classmates.

   1 more example

   One of them looked like a total freak who had come straight off a Cirque du Soleil stage, with blue streaks in her hair, goth bracelets up her arm and so much black eyeliner that she could be on the set of Cleopatra.

   2014, Michelle Madow, The Secret Diamond Sisters, page 39

plural Goths · alternative rare goth

1. countableuncountableA member of the East Germanic people known for their invasion of the western Roman Empire and subsequent founding of successor states in Italy and Spain during Late Antiquity.
2. countablefigurativelyuncountableAn uncivilized person, a barbarian, a vandal.
3. alternativecountableuncountableAlternative form of goth (“member of gothic subculture; or the subculture itself”).

   For most Mansonites, Goth is only a phase, and their fashion and outlook on life change alongside Marilyn Manson's.

   2007, Raven Digitalis, Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture

comparative more Goth · superlative most Goth · alternative rare goth

1. alternativeAlternative form of goth.

   Kayla's look tended to change with the seasons; at the moment it was less Goth than paramilitary, with laced jump boots.

   2003, Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill, James P. Baen, Mad Maudlin

plural Goths · alternative rare goth

1. A surname