picturesque

adjective pic·tur·esque \ ˌpik-chə-ˈresk \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: picturesque in a Sentence

Definition of picturesque

1 a : resembling a picture : suggesting a painted scene

b : charming or quaint in appearance

2 : evoking mental images : vivid

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picturesquely

adverb

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picturesqueness

noun

See picturesque defined for English-language learners

See picturesque defined for kids

Examples of picturesque in a Sentence

The view of the mountains was very picturesque.
wrote a picturesque tale of their journey across the country

Recent Examples of picturesque from the Web

Gay Head in Aquinnah, on the westernmost part of the island, is one of the most picturesque, and romantic Vineyard islands, framed by looming clay cliffs with plenty of sandy nooks to camp out in.

— alyssa giacobbe, Town & Country, "T&C Travel Guide: The Best of Martha's Vineyard," 13 June 2018
At French Twist Cafe in historic, ever-picturesque Sykesville, the menu pretty much boils down to just two attractions — crepes and coffee.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "French Twist Cafe serves up crepes, coffee, charm and language lessons," 6 June 2018
From picturesque castles in Europe to stunning villas in Bali, here are some of our favorites to experience a taste of royal living — even if Megs and Prince Harry forgot to send you an invite to their big day tomorrow.

— perri ormont blumberg, Southern Living, "This Royal Wedding-Inspired Collection of Castles and Villas Is So Dreamy," 18 May 2018
Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles are most notably on display at the ridiculously picturesque Ljubljana Castle in the city center.

— michaela trimble, GQ, "Skip the Crowds and Book a Trip to These Chill European Cities Instead," 22 Jan. 2018
This is probably Central Florida’s most picturesque shopping destination, with more than 140 stores and restaurants along the way.

— dan wine, OrlandoSentinel.com, "7 things to do in Orlando this summer — and they're all free," 12 July 2018
By this measure, the most picturesque beach on the planet is Whitehaven Beach in Australia, tagged almost 130,000 times cumulatively.

— USA TODAY, "The world's 25 most Instagrammed beaches," 9 July 2018
One of the most picturesque courses in the world, situated amid rolling countryside.

— john cherwa, latimes.com, "Racing! A special handicapping lesson on European tracks," 16 June 2018
The trusts own or control tens of thousands of acres including some of the most picturesque and environmentally-sensitive tracts from Philadelphia’s western suburbs to the Jersey Shore.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "With thousands of acres, millions of dollars, land trusts are a force in local development," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'picturesque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of picturesque

French & Italian; French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor, from pingere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1703

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

picturesque Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of picturesque

graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words. graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

- a graphic account of combat

vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

- a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm.

- a picturesque account of his travels

PICTURESQUE Defined for English Language Learners

picturesque

adjective

Definition of picturesque for English Language Learners

: very pretty or charming : like a painted picture
: telling about something in a way that makes it very easy to imagine : causing someone to have a very clear mental picture of something