Grand Guignol

American  

[grahn gee-nyawl] / grɑ̃ giˈnyɔl /

noun

1. a short drama stressing horror and sensationalism.

2. of, relating to, or resembling such a drama.

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Grand Guignol British  

/ ɡrɑ̃ ɡiɲɔl /

noun

1. 1. a brief sensational play intended to horrify

   2. (modifier) of, relating to, or like plays of this kind

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Etymology

Origin of Grand Guignol

First recorded in 1905–10; after Le Grand Guignol, small theater in Paris where such dramas were performed

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, it’s a Grand Guignol finish to what has previously been an effective, affecting and strictly naturalistic new interpretation of this canonical drama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Genres are mashed together at will: western, action, romance, Grand Guignol.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2025

Hers is a Grand Guignol sensibility that any “White Lotus” fan will get — and applaud.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

Meade, quite understandably, turned out sadistic, Grand Guignol thrillers as a respite from writing sentimental claptrap such as “A Sweet Girl Graduate” and “The Rebel of the School.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 18, 2021

The horrors confided to each other by the residents at Galvin House would have kept the Grand Guignol in realism for a generation.

From Patricia Brent, Spinster by Jenkins, Herbert George