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

• vivid
• graphical
• graphic
• descriptive

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

There's no shortage of natural beauty in Arizona, from blooming saguaro flowers to picturesque mountain views. —Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025

Each bite was a delight, each moment on that terrace a postcard to remember, for the delectable food, service and picturesque view. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025

Then there are the picturesque grounds, which are laced with meandering stone pathways, gardens, more than 1,400 trees, and a cantilevered deck ideal for spotting orcas and bald eagles. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 July 2025

However, none are as glamorous or as picturesque as Myrtos, which has small, white pebbles that lead out to turquoise waters. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2025

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