Grand Guignol
Americannoun
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a short drama stressing horror and sensationalism.
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of, relating to, or resembling such a drama.
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The scenic design by Paul Tate dePOO III savors the show’s Grand Guignol flavors while leaving plenty of flexibility for antic comedy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026
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
Hers is a Grand Guignol sensibility that any “White Lotus” fan will get — and applaud.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 19, 2024
Sam Raimi’s original trilogy made stylish Grand Guignol gore that evoked Jean-Luc Godard’s response to a question about why he used so much blood.
From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2023
Your Parisian hoaxer likes a dash of Grand Guignol horrors in his jokelet.
From Swirling Waters by Rittenberg, Max
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
