picaresque

1 of 2

adjective

pi·​ca·​resque ˌpi-kə-ˈresk How to pronounce picaresque (audio)
ˌpē-
: of or relating to rogues or rascals
also : of, relating to, suggesting, or being a type of fiction dealing with the episodic adventures of a usually roguish protagonist
a picaresque novel

picaresque

2 of 2

noun

: one that is picaresque

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What is a picaresque novel?

Picaresque derives from Spanish picaresco, which means "of or relating to a picaro," the picaro being the rogue or bohemian usually at the center of picaresque fiction. The typical picaro is a wandering individual of low social standing who happens into a series of adventures among people of various higher classes, and often relies on wits and a little dishonesty to get by. The first known novel in this style is Lazarillo de Tormes (circa 1554), an irreverent work about a poor boy who works for a series of masters of dubious character. The novel has been attributed to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, but his authorship is disputable.

Examples of picaresque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Reading this picaresque adventure story is a nearly psychedelic experience, made for those who like to read outside the box. Marion Winik, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 Nearly 15 years later, in the absorbing, picaresque Godwin (Pantheon) O’Neill has taken another sport as his subject–soccer–and used it to study brotherhood, migration, and a kind of late-capitalist striving that lends his storytelling a tint of desperation. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 18 July 2024
Noun
Through the girls’ picaresque adventures and growing affection, Coen surveys the subculture of lesbian bars, sorority soccer teams, and feminine license that have surfaced in the nearly three decades since the release of Bound. Armond White, National Review, 31 July 2024 An icon of Mexican-American border culture, typified by his heavy usage of Spanglish and bad-mannered pachuco style, Tin Tan melded the picaresque with his inimitable physical humor to become one of the most beloved comedians of his time. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for picaresque 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'picaresque.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Spanish picaresco, from pícaro

First Known Use

Adjective

1810, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of picaresque was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

“Picaresque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/picaresque. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

picaresque

adjective
pi·​ca·​resque
ˌpik-ə-ˈresk,
ˌpē-kə-
: of, relating to, or being a type of fiction which presents the adventures of a usually rascally character
a picaresque novel

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