baroque

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

Updated on: 22 May 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

The first season, which Cuchna shared in 2016 while working full-time, dove into the meaning and mechanics of Kendrick Lamar's baroque To Pimp a Butterfly.

— hannah giorgis, The Atlantic, "Is It Futile to 'Dissect' Frank Ocean's Work?," 17 May 2018
Its distinctive curved staircase can be seen from the entryway, while stained glass and baroque woodwork wait inside.

— benjy egel, sacbee, "$3.9 million could buy you a 'Lady Bird' house, or these 5 other local properties | The Sacramento Bee," 16 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, "Alyson Hannigan sells 1930s Mission Revival in Santa Monica for $4.9 million," 9 May 2018
Large-scale baroque mirrors and dark walnut furniture embellished with steel and gold velvet bring in the romantic feel of the Teatro alla Scalla.

— mara balagtas, Condé Nast Traveler, "Visiting Dolce & Gabbana’s New Miami Store Is Like Being Inside an Italian Museum," 26 Apr. 2018
Charlie Corcoran’s simple baroque-style scenic design changed the backdrops at the vanishing point to create the different settings, and David Lander’s fine lighting warmed and chilled the atmosphere in a painterly way.

— heidi waleson, WSJ, "French Opera Takes Over New York," 23 Apr. 2018
The musicians play fiddle, Irish bouzouki, mandolin, accordion, guitar, banjo and baroque recorders.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Flower Fields now in full bloom," 19 Apr. 2018
Whatever your opinion on the Catholic aesthetic (and the Catholic Church, for that matter), come May 7, mainstream stars like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner will attempt to interpret biblical tropes at their most baroque via red carpet fashion.

— refinery29.com, "Has Catholicism Earned This "Fashion" Moment?," 3 May 2018
Gnoli’s paintings became more voluptuous and more baroque from 1965 onwards.

— tobias grey, WSJ, "Italian Artist Domenico Gnoli’s Work is Back on Display in New York," 30 Apr. 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

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