baroque

adjective, often capitalized

ba·roque | \bə-ˈrōk,

ba-, -ˈräk, -ˈrȯk\

Definition of baroque

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

baroque

noun, often capitalized

Definition of baroque (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from baroque Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about baroque

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Did You Know?

Adjective

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.

Examples of baroque in a Sentence

Adjective

a somewhat baroque writing style a book filled with baroque descriptions

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Indeed, dichotomies define her work, which was both exotic and stylish, and pure and baroque—a perfect fusion of force and finesse. — Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, "Remembering Gabriella Crespi, a Milanese Original," 15 June 2018 The pieces, on pedestals and on the floor, marry an industrial look — contemporary, sturdy, spare — with ornate, baroque flamboyance. — Leah Ollman, latimes.com, "The disturbing meets the sweet in Alex Anderson's new sculptures at Gavlak," 4 July 2018 Buy Photo The Painted Bride Art Center, with its intricate, baroque facade of colorful, mirrored mosaics, ought to be designated historic, a panel of the Philadelphia Historical Commission recommended Wednesday. — Stephan Salisbury, Philly.com, "Painted Bride and its Zagar murals deserve historic designation, panel finds," 20 June 2018 These paintings hang on the walls of the bright white shop, which is accented by cornflower baroque floral arrangements and shoppable antique furniture from dealer Lee Calicchio. — Noor Brara, Vogue, "Land of Belle’s Latest Pop-Up Shop Brings Summer-Themed Global Decor Stateside," 14 June 2018 After much speculation, Ryan Murphy has finally revealed what he, the wizard of prestige, baroque television, has been hiding behind his velvet curtain. — Morgan Baila, refinery29.com, "American Horror Story: Witches," 14 June 2018 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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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

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.

History and Etymology for baroque

Adjective

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

Noun

noun derivative of baroque entry 1

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The first known use of baroque was circa 1734

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More Definitions for baroque

baroque

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of baroque

: 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

See the full definition for baroque in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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