n.
Pronunciation: ' go ̇ -d ē , ' gä-
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: gaud · i · er ; -est
Date: 1582
1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
2 : marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : OUTLANDISH < gaudy lies> < gaudy claims> also : EXCEPTIONAL <a gaudy batting average>
– gaud · i · ly \ ' go ̇ -d ə -l ē , ' gä- \ adverb
– gaud · i · ness \ ' go ̇ -d ē -n ə s, ' gä- \ noun
synonyms GAUDY , TAWDRY , GARISH , FLASHY , MERETRICIOUS mean vulgarly or cheaply showy. GAUDY implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation <circus performers in gaudy costumes>. TAWDRY applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy < tawdry saloons>. GARISH describes what is distressingly or offensively bright < garish neon signs>. FLASHY implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar <a flashy nightclub act>. MERETRICIOUS stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise <a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.