calligraphic

adjective

cal·​li·​graph·​ic ¦ka-lə-¦gra-fik How to pronounce calligraphic (audio)
1
: of or relating to calligraphy: such as
a
of writing or hand-lettering : elaborate or ornamental in style
b
of a document : written by hand especially in an elaborate or ornamental style
2
a
: consisting of or ornamented with lines resembling the flourishes of ornate or decorated handwriting or hand-lettering
calligraphic scrolls
a calligraphic figure
b
: printed, engraved, or otherwise produced in a style imitative of ornamental handwriting, hand-lettering, or freehand drawing
a printed calligraphic title
engraved calligraphic ornament
c
: bearing writing or a representation of writing that is regarded as being in itself a source of aesthetic pleasure
used especially of works of art displaying Chinese characters or one of the ornamental types of Arabic script
3
: drawn, painted, or formed in the manner of calligraphy (see calligraphy sense 3)
a wiry arabesque of swift calligraphic lineEric Newton
calligraphically adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle Greek kalligraphikos, from Greek kalligraphos calligrapher + -ikos -ic

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calligraphic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calligraphic. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!