Romanesque

adjective

Ro·​man·​esque ˌrō-mə-ˈnesk 

: of or relating to a style of architecture developed in Italy and western Europe between the Roman and the Gothic styles and characterized in its development after 1000 by the use of the round arch and vault, substitution of piers for columns, decorative use of arcades, and profuse ornament

Romanesque noun

Examples of Romanesque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tendrils of jasmine dangle from balconies; Romanesque statues rise from winding pathways shrouded in vines. — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

In a feature published Tuesday, reporter Alex Marshall reveals the many behind-the-scenes negotiations that brought the famed Romanesque-style textile artwork depicting the 1066 Norman invasion back home to the UK. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Winding alleys house artisan workshops and squat homes crammed with prop cooking utensils, and down one street stands a sept that resembles a Romanesque church. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

On its edge is the Romanesque church of Pieve di San Leolino, which features a 16th-century cloister and valley views. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Romanesque

• arabesque
• picaresque
• statuesque
• burlesque
• grotesque
• carnivalesque
• desk

Kids Definition

Romanesque

adjective

Ro·​man·​esque ˌrō-mə-ˈnesk 

: relating to or being an old style of architecture (as for churches) coming before Gothic architecture and having round arches, thick heavy walls, and few small windows