I. ˈjinjə(r)ˌbred noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English gingerbreed, by folk etymology (influence of Middle English ginger, gingere ginger) from gingebreed gingerbread, ginger paste, by folk etymology (influence of Middle English breed bread) from gingebras ginger paste, from Old French gingembraz, gingebraz, from gingembre, gingibre ginger — more at ginger
1. : a cake made with molasses, flavored with ginger, often cut in fancy shapes, and frosted
2. : something showy but unsubstantial or tasteless ; especially : tawdry, gaudy, or superfluous ornament or embellishment in architecture
interiors from which gingerbread and plush were banished — Edgar Kaufmann
II. adjective
: adorned with, characterized by, or being gingerbread : showily, tawdrily, or elaborately ornamented
a gingerbread clubhouse
a frame dwelling with gingerbread trim — American Guide Series: North Carolina
the gingerbread style of the Victorian era
gingerbread scrollwork