Jacobean
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to James I of England or to his period.
-
noting or pertaining to the style of architecture and furnishings prevailing in England in the first half of the 17th century, continuing the Elizabethan style with a gradual introduction of Italian models in architecture and increased elaboration of forms and motifs in furnishings.
-
of or relating to the style of literature and drama produced during the early 17th century.
noun
adjective
-
history characteristic of or relating to James I of England or to the period of his rule (1603–25)
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of or relating to the style of furniture current at this time, characterized by the use of dark brown carved oak
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denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in England during this period, characterized by a combination of late Gothic and Palladian motifs
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Jacobean
First recorded in 1750–60; from New Latin Jacobae(us) “of Jacobus ” (Latinized form of James ) + -an
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 instrumental consort—three viols, two violins, harpsichord and lute/theorbo—offered an invigorating collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean hits by such contemporaneous composers as William Brade, William Lawes, John Dowland and Anthony Holborne.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2025
He got into the Old Vic, where he was trained in Jacobean Shakespeare.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2025
He also cites use of the Ouija board during the American Civil War and people's interest in demons and witches during the troubled Jacobean era.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2023
Anne schemes for her family to surmount Jacobean society’s rigid gradations of rank and status.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 9, 2021
“Can I sell you a Jacobean four-poster bed? Or do the tax inspectors keep getting younger?”
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
