gorier; goriest
1
: covered with gore : bloodstained
2
: bloodcurdling, sensational
wanted to hear the gory details
Choose the Right Synonym for gory

bloody, sanguinary, gory mean affected by or involving the shedding of blood.

bloody is applied especially to things that are actually covered with blood or are made up of blood.

bloody hands

sanguinary applies especially to something attended by, or someone inclined to, bloodshed.

the Civil War was America's most sanguinary conflict

gory suggests a profusion of blood and slaughter.

exceptionally gory, even for a horror movie

Examples of gory in a Sentence

doesn't watch too many movies that feature gory violence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Goosed by a couple gratuitous interludes of gory amateur surgery, the movie is eventful, with a high body count. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 The gory mess of a limb that may never be usable again. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025 Harry has Kiko take a look at the crate's contents, which are now revealed to us in all their gory glory. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025 The playful enthusiasm that his soldiers had hitherto displayed in martial training and sporty festivities, and the esprit de corps forged in their common cause, gave way to their bloodied corpses; the film’s depictions of their gory stillness, in full color, come as a shock. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gory was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Gory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gory. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

gory

adjective
ˈgō(ə)r-ē How to pronounce gory (audio)
ˈgȯ(ə)r-
gorier; goriest
1
: covered with gore : bloodstained
2

More from Merriam-Webster on gory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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