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

Winds batter ridges where seabirds howl like banshees, and jackals stalk baroque canyons of soft crumbling rock. — Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, "Going Off-Grid in Namibia," 21 Dec. 2018 Though its bones are of a different time, the house has a sleek, modern kitchen and an updated bathroom that creates a pleasing contrast with the apartment’s more baroque features. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Swedish apartment for sale is a daring mix of old and new," 17 Sep. 2018 Wheelock, the former curator of northern baroque painting at the National Gallery of Art, is a professor of art history the University of Maryland. — Arthur Wheelock, WSJ, "Well-Worn Life, Frozen In Time," 19 Oct. 2018 Founders of Gloomhaven, on the other hand, which made half a million dollars on Kickstarter last summer, could not be further from the baroque, sprawling weirdness of its illustrious ancestor. — Tom Mendelsohn, Ars Technica, "Review: Founders of Gloomhaven groans beneath its own weight," 22 Sep. 2018 Dubrovsky’s eight string players, plus Mark Shuldiner on harpsichord and Brandon Acker on theorbo and baroque guitar, include some of the city’s finest period players. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Vivica Genaux delivers exciting Vivaldi vocals with Third Coast Baroque," 8 Apr. 2018 The sybaritic Cardinal Flavio Chigi amassed an impressive collection of 17th-century baroque paintings and furnishings, which remain on display. — Laura Itzkowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, "5 Best Day Trips from Rome," 5 Mar. 2018 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

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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Last Updated

16 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for baroque

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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