# gaudy

/ˈɡɔdi/ (US) · /ɡˈɔːdi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gaudy
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

too bright, colorful, or expensive-looking. You use this to describe things that are flashy and not very elegant.

For teachers: characterised by excessive ornamentation, bright colours, or showy display. Often carries a negative connotation of being tasteless or overly ostentatious.

## Examples

- The hotel has a very gaudy interior.
- He wore a gaudy suit to the wedding, which made everyone else's more modest clothes look plain.
- The architect's gaudy designs, while technically impressive, were criticized for clashing with the quiet elegance of the surrounding historic district.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.