grotesque
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
-
strangely or fantastically distorted; bizarre
a grotesque reflection in the mirror
-
of or characteristic of the grotesque in art
-
absurdly incongruous; in a ludicrous context
a grotesque turn of phrase
noun
-
a 16th-century decorative style in which parts of human, animal, and plant forms are distorted and mixed
-
a decorative device, as in painting or sculpture, in this style
-
printing the family of 19th-century sans serif display types
-
any grotesque person or thing
Synonym Usage
See bizarre.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of grotesque
First recorded in 1555–65; from French, from Italian grottesca (from pittura grottesca, opera grottesca “grotesque painting, decoration” such as was apparently found in excavated buildings), the feminine of grottesco “grotesque, uncouth,” derivative of grotta “cave.” See grotto, -esque
Compare meaning
How does grotesque compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Use grotesque to describe things that are very strange and ugly in an unnatural way. If something "grosses you out," you can safely refer to it as grotesque. Grotesque also refers to a style of art that uses odd and fanciful combinations of natural, human, and animal forms. The original reference was to cave paintings found in ancient Roman ruins. Our English word is from French, from Italian grottesca pittura, "a cave painting," from grotta, "cave." Italian grotta is the source of our English word grotto.
Vocabulary lists containing grotesque
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Holes
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Marigolds," Vocabulary from the short story
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
When I try to describe this epic work by the Belgian theater collective FC Bergman, I get bogged down in contradictions: Grotesque yet radiant.
From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2022
Grotesque, but at the same time paired with such peculiar, delectating joy.
From The New Yorker • Jul. 8, 2019
The larger dynamic exposed in her 55 often elaborate works might be described as American Grotesque.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2019
Grotesque Grossman proved such a cult hit that there have been rumours of a spin-off movie.
From The Guardian • Nov. 27, 2015
I am sorry I had not this Castle taken by women, then t'had been done like my Grotesque Dance there: mount, mount, Rascals.
From The Female Wits by Anonymous
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.
