Word
gallows
Phoneticsgal·lows, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡæɫoʊz/
UK/ɡˈæləʊz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. a wooden frame used in the past for hanging criminals. It usually consists of two upright posts and a crossbeam at the top.
n. a wooden structure, typically consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam, used for the execution of condemned persons by hanging.
Examples
“The prisoner walked slowly toward the gallows.”
“In many historical dramas, the gallows stands as a grim symbol of the harsh justice system of the era.”
“The structure of the gallows was visible from the town square, serving as a deterrent to those who might consider defying the local laws.”
Examples
simple
“The prisoner walked slowly toward the gallows.”
contextual
“In many historical dramas, the gallows stands as a grim symbol of the harsh justice system of the era.”
complex
“The structure of the gallows was visible from the town square, serving as a deterrent to those who might consider defying the local laws.”
Usage
Takes a singular or plural verb ('the gallows is' or 'the gallows are'). Often used in the phrase 'gallows humour' to describe joking about serious or dark subjects.
Real-World Examples
“It’s a devastating movie, and at its Toronto premiere, tears were shed by many, but it’s peppered with the kind of black gallows humour that Charleson himself used to get through it all.” “Generous doses of squishy gallows humour, elaborate secrets and expert tension pick up the slack.” Etymology
From Middle English galwes, galewes, plural of galwe, galowe, from Old English galga, gealga, from Proto-West Germanic galgō, from Proto-Germanic galgô, from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰalgʰ-, ǵʰalg- (“long switch, rod, shaft, pole, perch”). The plural construction probably refers to the vertical and horizontal beams. Compare West Frisian galge, Dutch galg, German Galgen, Danish galge, Icelandic gálgi. For the pronunciation /ˈɡæləs/, compare bellows, bodice.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. gallows humor
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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