gallows

UK: /ˈgæləʊz/ US: /ˈgæloʊz/ ,(gal′ōz, -əz)

Inflections of 'gallows' (n):

gallows

npl

gallowses

npl

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

gal•lows /ˈgæloʊz/   n., pl. -lows, -lows•es. 

1. [countable] a wooden frame made up of two upright pieces of wood with a crossbeam from which a person condemned to death is hanged.
2. execution by hanging:
   [uncountable] sentenced to the gallows.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

gal•lows  (gal′ōz, -əz), n., pl. -lows•es, -lows. 

1. a wooden frame, consisting of a crossbeam on two uprights, on which condemned persons are executed by hanging.
2. a similar structure from which something is suspended.
3. execution by hanging:
   a crime deserving of the gallows.
4. Nautical, Naval Terms Also called gal′lows bitts′. a support on the deck of a vessel, generally one of two or more, consisting of a crosspiece on two uprights, for spars, boats, etc.

• bef. 900; Middle English galwes, Old English g(e)algan, plural of g(e)alga gallows; cognate with German Galgen

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

gallows / ˈɡæləʊz/ noun ( -lowses, -lows)

1. a wooden structure usually consisting of two upright posts with a crossbeam from which a rope is suspended, used for hanging criminals
2. any timber structure resembling this, such as (in Australia and New Zealand) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle
3. the gallows ⇒ execution by hanging

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old Norse galgi, replacing Old English gealga; related to Old High German galgo