statuesque

American  

[stach-oo-esk] / ˌstætʃ uˈɛsk /

adjective

1. like or suggesting a statue, as in massive or majestic dignity, grace, or beauty.

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statuesque British  

/ ˌstætjʊˈɛsk /

adjective

1. like a statue, esp in possessing great formal beauty or dignity

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Other Word Forms

• statuesquely adverb
• statuesqueness noun
• unstatuesque adjective
• unstatuesquely adverb
• unstatuesqueness noun

Etymology

Origin of statuesque

First recorded in 1825–35; statue + -esque

Explanation

If your favorite teacher is as beautiful and impressive as a statue in a museum, go ahead and describe him or her as statuesque. Statuesque means "like a statue," in the sense that someone is dignified, good looking, and maybe a little intimidating. It's an adjective that is almost always used to describe a tall woman, and while it's a compliment, it can sometimes be interpreted as meaning simply "big and tall." The Latin root means "statue," statua, and it in turn comes from stare, "to stand."

Example Sentences

Once again, it was weakness at set-pieces that proved fatal for West Ham as Dominguez met Elliot Anderson's corner with a looping header that dropped into the far corner while the Hammers defence stood statuesque.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

The handsome and statuesque Canadian-born and -trained man performed memorably in the four roles I saw him take on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

The raw emotion in Emery's goal celebrations, as he turned and pumped his fists towards the Aston Villa crowd, was in contrast to the statuesque figure he cut an hour before.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2025

During Friday night jazz at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, I met Katrina, a statuesque blond who had recently emigrated from Russia.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

It was a statuesque look, but her movements were quick and impatient—that vase would still be in one piece if she had not jerked it so suddenly from his hands.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan