rococo

[ ruh-koh-koh, roh-kuh-koh ]

noun

1. a style of architecture and decoration, originating in France about 1720, evolved from Baroque types and distinguished by its elegant refinement in using different materials for a delicate overall effect and by its ornament of shellwork, foliage, etc.
2. a homophonic musical style of the middle 18th century, marked by a generally superficial elegance and charm and by the use of elaborate ornamentation and stereotyped devices.

adjective

1. (initial capital letter) Fine Arts.
   1. noting or pertaining to a style of painting developed simultaneously with the rococo in architecture and decoration, characterized chiefly by smallness of scale, delicacy of color, freedom of brushwork, and the selection of playful subjects as thematic material.
   2. designating a corresponding style of sculpture, chiefly characterized by diminutiveness of Baroque forms and playfulness of theme.
2. of, pertaining to, in the manner of, or suggested by rococo architecture, decoration, or music or the general atmosphere and spirit of the rococo:

   rococo charm.

3. ornate or florid in speech, literary style, etc.

rococo

/ rəˈkəʊkəʊ /

noun

1. a style of architecture and decoration that originated in France in the early 18th century, characterized by elaborate but graceful, light, ornamentation, often containing asymmetrical motifs
2. an 18th-century style of music characterized by petite prettiness, a decline in the use of counterpoint, and extreme use of ornamentation
3. any florid or excessively ornamental style

adjective

1. denoting, being in, or relating to the rococo
2. florid or excessively elaborate

rococo

1. A style of baroque art and architecture popular in Europe during the eighteenth century, characterized by flowing lines and elaborate decoration.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rococo¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from French, akin to rocaille “use of pebbles and shells in ornamental work; pebble-work”; rocaille

Word History and Origins

Origin of rococo¹

C19: from French, from rocaille , from roc rock ¹

Example Sentences

The circus movie “Freaks” had its world premiere here in 1932, and with its expensive organ, rococo interior design and grand chandeliers, the Fox was the local destination to see movies during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

From Los Angeles Times

This was on a recent morning in a rococo hotel room, just west of Madison Square Park.

From New York Times

According to Heritage, it includes ornate floral accents and scrolling curves prevalent in rococo motifs that align with the reign of King Louis XV of France.

From New York Times

“If it has more than three notes in it, I’m thinking, ‘What is all this rococo nonsense?’”

From New York Times

Savoca contrives a wedding night as filled with rococo confections as the interior of a Palermo church.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ornate