picturesque

[ pik-chuh-resk ]

adjective

1. visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting:

   a picturesque fishing village.

2. (of writing, speech, etc.) strikingly graphic or vivid; creating detailed mental images:

   a picturesque description of the Brazilian jungle.

3. having pleasing or interesting qualities; strikingly effective in appearance:

   a picturesque hat.

picturesque

/ ˌpɪktʃəˈrɛsk /

adjective

1. visually pleasing, esp in being striking or vivid

   a picturesque view

2. having a striking or colourful character, nature, etc
3. (of language) graphic; vivid

Derived Forms

• ˌpicturˈesquely, adverb
• ˌpicturˈesqueness, noun

Other Words From

• pictur·esquely adverb
• pictur·esqueness noun
• unpic·tur·esque adjective
• unpic·tur·esquely adverb
• unpic·tur·esqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco ( pittor(e) painter ¹ + -esco -esque ), with assimilation to picture

Word History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

C18: from French pittoresque (but also influenced by picture ), from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor

Synonym Study

Picturesque, graphic, vivid apply to descriptions that produce a strong, especially a visual, impression. Picturesque is a less precise term than the other two. A picturesque account, though striking and interesting, may be inaccurate or may reflect personal ideas: He called the landscape picturesque. A graphic account is more objective and factual: it produces a clear, definite impression, and carries conviction. A vivid account is told with liveliness and intenseness; the description is so interesting, or even exciting, that the reader or hearer may be emotionally stirred.

Example Sentences

Such picturesque qualities showed where we were, but not where we were headed.

From Washington Post

Together they hike trails that pass through ancient ruins, overlooking picturesque bays where cruise ships drop their guests for lunch.

From Time

They’re rustic but come stocked with real beds, stoves, and picturesque cocktail porches.

From Outside Online

This part of the state also happens to offer some of its most picturesque cycling—and a hearty dose of intriguing Texas history.

From Outside Online

The goal, Marasco said, is that picturesque Hillsboro, a one-time mill town, would become a destination — not only a stop for tourists visiting breweries and wineries nearby.

From Washington Post

Chefchaouen, shut off from the world for centuries, is almost absurdly picturesque.

From The Daily Beast

One Street Museum is dedicated to the picturesque old Kiev street called Andriyivskyy Descent, on which it is situated.

From The Daily Beast

Later, we hiked up a picturesque trail to the Dovbush rocks, which are a sort of local Stonehenge.

From The Daily Beast

But the area is also an unexplored region of picturesque villages and surprising flavors.

From The Daily Beast

His social snapshots reveal the unhappy repercussions of tyranny and poverty in a picturesque Africa.

From The Daily Beast

Many adults assume that a child can look at a landscape as they look at it, taking in the whole picturesque effect.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a large, beautiful room, rich and picturesque in the soft, dim light which the maid had turned low.

From Project Gutenberg

It is true that they wanted the picturesque splendour of ancient warfare.

From Project Gutenberg

There is nothing picturesque in those old towns, for they were dead before they were civilized.

From Project Gutenberg

It lies in a large and picturesque hollow, surrounded by mountains at an elevation of 3,200 feet above the level of the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beautiful
• charming
• colorful
• pleasant
• quaint
• scenic