one of the Teutonic people who invaded the Roman Empire in the 3rd to 5th centuries
"The historian analyzed ancient texts to trace how the Gothic migration reshaped the borders of the collapsing Roman Empire."
A punk-derived subculture of people who predominantly dress in black, associated with mournful music and attitudes.
"The historian noted that many modern goths mistakenly identify themselves as a fashion subculture rather than recognizing them as an ancient Germanic tribe that sacked Rome."
A 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.
In plain English: A goth is someone who likes dark clothes, gloomy music, and spooky things.
"She wore black clothes and dark makeup, so her friends called her goth."
Usage: Do not confuse the noun "goth" referring to a member of the subculture with the adjective form when describing unrelated dark aesthetics; using it as an adjective for general gloominess is often considered incorrect outside specific stylistic contexts. Prefer "Goth" (capitalized) when referring specifically to members or adherents of the historical movement, while lowercase usage typically denotes the broader style or attitude.
Relating to this music or these people.
"The goth crowd gathered at the underground venue to listen to their favorite band play new songs."
In plain English: Goth describes someone who likes dark clothes and sad music because they enjoy gloomy things.
"She wore her black gothic dress to the concert."
The term "goth" originally described a 1970s music scene inspired by the dark aesthetic of 19th-century Gothic fiction and art. It derives its name from Late Latin gothicus, which referred to the ancient Germanic Goths, who were once mistakenly labeled as barbarians by Romans.