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Showing results for carbuncle. Search instead for carbuncles.
Definitions

carbuncle

[kahr-buhng-kuhl] / ˈkɑr bʌŋ kəl /
NOUN
abscess
Synonyms


NOUN
a kind of gemstone
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"He was absolutely slammed down by the architectural establishment," said Clarke of the King's attacks on some modern design plans, such as in 1984 calling a proposed extension to the National Gallery a "monstrous carbuncle".

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

The plan, included a modern-looking curved glass courtyard, was, according to Charles, “a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend.”

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2022

In the eccentricities column, he hates modern architecture, having described an addition to the National Gallery in London as a “monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 12, 2022

He famously described an extension to London's National Gallery in 1984 as a "monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend".

From Reuters • Sep. 9, 2022

He stood there as if be were drying himself in the sun, with a wingspread of about eleven feet, a bright orange head and a magenta carbuncle.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White