Search Dictionary
Definition of gaunt

gaunt

/ɡɔːnt/
gaunt
Adverb:gauntly
JUMP TO:

gaunt Lexical Profile

gaunt Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age.

Example

"After weeks of recovering from the illness, he looked pale and gaunt."

2

Grim, barren, and desolate in appearance (of a building or landscape).

Example

"The gaunt ruins of the ancient abbey stood silhouetted against the winter sky."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gaunt
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gaunt

• Rhymes for gaunt

• Nearby Words

gaugeable
gauja
gaultheria
gaunt
gauntlet
gauntness
gaur

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in Middle English in the 15th century, likely of Scandinavian origin and related to Norwegian gand ('thin, pointed stick' or 'tall, thin man').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gaunt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gaunt
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.