gestalt

American  

[guh-shtahlt, -shtawlt, -stahlt, -stawlt] / gəˈʃtɑlt, -ˈʃtɔlt, -ˈstɑlt, -ˈstɔlt /

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter)

plural

gestalts, gestalten

1. a configuration, pattern, or organized field having specific properties that cannot be derived from the summation of its component parts; a unified whole.

2. an instance or example of such a unified whole.

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Gestalt British  

/ ɡəˈʃtælt /

noun

1. (sometimes not capital) a perceptual pattern or structure possessing qualities as a whole that cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts See also Gestalt psychology

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Etymology

Origin of gestalt

1920–25; < German: figure, form, structure

Example Sentences

Sentiment is consistent with the Muppets gestalt, but not really part of “The Muppet Show.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Or, as in “Stranger Things” and “Weapons,” the gestalt entity may be ruled by one being devoted to conquest and control.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2025

On the title track, listeners are greeted with glitchy vocal samples before Joachim puts new elements into the gestalt, and quickly.

From New York Times • Feb. 29, 2024

The guides, it said, reflect “the whole gestalt of India’s association with sky and space.”

From Science Magazine • Nov. 7, 2023

Hanson also preceded Kuhn in stressing the importance of gestalt psychology and in laying emphasis on the philosophy of Wittgenstein.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• composition
• contour
• shape
• structure