picturesque

adjective

pic·​tur·​esque ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

1

a

: resembling a picture : suggesting a painted scene

b

: charming or quaint in appearance

2

: evoking mental images : vivid

picturesquely adverb

picturesqueness noun

Synonyms

• delineated
• graphic
• graphical
• pictorial
• visual
• vivid

Choose the Right Synonym for picturesque

graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words.

graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm.

a picturesque account of his travels

Examples of picturesque in a Sentence

The view of the mountains was very picturesque.

wrote a picturesque tale of their journey across the country

Recent Examples on the Web

West of the picturesque Overland Park Arboretum and south of the Heritage Park, an emerging treasure is making waves in the Kansas City real estate market – Wolf Run. —Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2024

The stunning modern masterpiece set in the middle of 150 acres of picturesque hills and vineyards in Northern California’s wine country is now for sale for $6.5 million. —David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 7 June 2024

In This Article The Rooms Food and Drink Activities and Experiences The Spa Accessibility and Sustainability Location Weston, Vermont, a tiny, picturesque village, sits amidst the scenic Green Mountain National Forest, roughly halfway between Okemo and Stratton ski resorts. —Christine Chitnis, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2024

For short-term rentals among the central districts, Ribeira is rich in historical buildings and lies closest to the picturesque riverside, while Clérigos abounds with dining and nightlife. —Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French & Italian; French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor, from pingere

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

picturesque

adjective

pic·​tur·​esque ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

1

a

: resembling or suitable for a painted picture

a picturesque landscape

b

: charming, quaint

picturesque customs

2

: calling forth a striking mental picture

a picturesque story

picturesquely adverb

picturesqueness noun