First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1gossamer
noun gos·sa·mer \ˈgä-sə-mər also ˈgäz-mər, ˈgä-zə-\
: a piece of a spider's web
: a very light or delicate material
Full Definition of GOSSAMER
1
: a film of cobwebs floating in air in calm clear weather
2
: something light, delicate, or insubstantial <the gossamer of youth's dreams — Andrea Parke>
— gos·sa·mery \-mə-rē\ adjective
See gossamer defined for English-language learners
See gossamer defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GOSSAMER
Middle English gossomer, from gos goose + somer summer
2gossamer
adjective
Definition of GOSSAMER
: extremely light, delicate, or tenuous
First Known Use of GOSSAMER
circa 1807
Related to GOSSAMER
- Synonyms
- cobwebby, filmy, frothy, gauzy, flimsy, gossamery, insubstantial, sleazy, unsubstantial
- Antonyms
- sturdy, substantial
GOSSAMER Defined for Kids
gossamer
noun gos·sa·mer \ˈgä-sə-mər, -zə-\
Definition of GOSSAMER for Kids
: a film of cobwebs floating in the air
Learn More About GOSSAMER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: gossamer fernPrevious Word in the Dictionary: gospodinAll Words Near: gossamer
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up gossamer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).