gargoyle

[gahr-goil] / ˈgɑr gɔɪl /

NOUN

carved grotesque figure acting as a spout

Synonyms

STRONG

carving sculpture

WEAK

bibb bibcock faucet fountain nozzle spigot spout tap

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.

A host of celebrity judges have to decide whether they’re seeing an elaborate cake or Halloween decor like a jack-o-lantern, a black cat and a gargoyle.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

Earlier this week, several Santa hats appeared on statues and a gargoyle on St John's College in stunt later blamed on "rascal students".

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2021

His villainy is like a gargoyle — inert and thoroughly grotesque.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2021

Another modern, and whimsical, touch is the so-called businessman or yuppie gargoyle, depicting a Gothic creature with sideburns and holding a briefcase.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2021

The officer bends forward and looms over the miniature city like some tormented gargoyle.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr