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

In the picturesque town of Melide, known for its Romanesque churches and traditional Galician architecture, there’s an option Galician wine tasting & dinner at a Michelin restaurant next to the ancient city wall. — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

The medieval site dates back to the 12th century and features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026

The town's San Pedro Cultural Becerril de Campos is a converted Romanesque church now used as an astronomy center. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 Apr. 2026

There are 31 rooms, suites, and villas, a lounge just off the reception area, two restaurants, a cooking school, a spa, a boutique, an art gallery, a performing arts venue in a 700-year-old Romanesque church, and a yoga room in an attic. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026

One of Milan’s oldest churches and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. — Photovogue, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026

Built during the 12th through 16th centuries, these medieval masterpieces were born out of Romanesque architecture, which saw churches designed with thick walls, round arches, and large towers. — Stefanie Waldek, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2026

The Cathedral has a sober Romanesque façade, but its interior was updated to baroque after a serious earthquake in 1706. — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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