baroque

adjective, often capitalized ba·roque \ bə-ˈrōk , ba- , -ˈräk , -ˈrȯk \

|Updated on: 17 Jul 2018

Definition of baroque

1 art : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension

a baroque cathedral

baroque music and literature

the baroque period

2 : characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance

a truly baroque act of sabotage
—G. N. Shuster

3 of gems : irregularly shaped

a baroque pearl

—

baroquely

adverb

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See baroque defined for kids

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Examples of baroque in a Sentence

a somewhat baroque writing style
a book filled with baroque descriptions

Recent Examples of baroque from the Web

Think baroque seed pearls, strung with bits of glass, and polished agate and bulbs of orange turquoise.

— monica kim, Vogue, "SVNR’s Colorful Keepsake Earrings Turn Forgotten Objects Into Chic Mementos," 13 July 2018
Beast Mode 2, as an opus, is at once both irresistibly baroque and meticulously refined.

— hannah giorgis, The Atlantic, "The Cathartic Symphony of Future’s Beast Mode 2," 6 July 2018
The most recent show, in February, was held at the Park Avenue Armory, a stark, cavernous space made more so by the lack of any production (just folding chairs in two long rows) and the gloomy, baroque music.

— steven kurutz, New York Times, "How Marc Jacobs Fell Out of Fashion," 2 June 2018
At one point, a throwback to the baroque era emerges amid the edgy soundscape, like a repressed memory.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "BSO New Music Festival filled with eclectic works, electric performances," 26 June 2018
The Aesthetic: Rousteing dresses the gilded social-media set (Kardashians and pop gods like Zayn and Bieber) in clothes just on the right side of baroque.

— matt sebra, GQ, "GQ for Gap 2018: The Coolest Designers on the Planet," 21 June 2018
When the Aston Magna Music Festival was founded, playing baroque music on period instruments was still a novelty.

— zoë madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "New music, old instruments with Aston Magna," 14 June 2018
Arched doors and windows, baroque gables and a clay tile roof are among the 1930 home's character details.

— neal j. leitereg, jack flemming and lauren beale, sacbee, "Hot Property: $68 million farmhouse mansion sells | The Sacramento Bee," 21 May 2018
Arched doors and windows, baroque gables and a clay tile roof are among the 1930 home's character details.

— neal j. leitereg, latimes.com, "Hot Property: Studio titan's estate draws $68 million in Holmby Hills," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baroque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Baroque came to English from a French word meaning "irregularly shaped." At first, the word in French was used mostly to refer to pearls. Eventually, it came to describe an extravagant style of art characterized by curving lines, gilt, and gold. This type of art, which was prevalent especially in the 17th century, was sometimes considered to be excessively decorated and overly complicated. It makes sense, therefore, that the meaning of the word baroque has broadened to include anything that seems excessively ornate or elaborate.

Origin and Etymology of baroque

French, from Middle French barroque irregularly shaped (of a pearl), from Portuguese barroco irregularly shaped pearl

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1734

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

baroque Synonyms

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

baroque

noun, often capitalized

Definition of baroque

art : the baroque style or the period in which it flourished

Recent Examples of baroque from the Web

Turkish baroque mingled Western and Ottoman styles.

— The Economist, "Turkey’s central bank has streamlined its fight against inflation," 31 May 2018
This show’s willingness to go for baroque, adding on oddity with gusto, recalls the best and–in moments–worst of Six Feet Under.

— daniel d'addario, Time, "Here and Now Is a Frank Family Saga Suited for This Moment," 8 Feb. 2018
Leave a Note Ulysses Grant was a complex and often contradictory figure and so is the San Diego hotel that bares his name, an eye-catching blend of post-modern minimalism and the neo-baroque Empire style that flourished during his presidency.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "The US Grant (Luxury Collection)," 20 Oct. 2017

Origin and Etymology of baroque

noun derivative of ¹baroque

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1852

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography, paladin

BAROQUE Defined for English Language Learners

baroque

adjective

Definition of baroque for English Language Learners

: of or relating to a dramatic style of art and music that was common in the 17th and early 18th centuries and that featured many decorative parts and details
: having many details or too many details