picturesque

adjective

pic·​tur·​esque ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

1

a

: resembling a picture : suggesting a painted scene

b

: charming or quaint in appearance

2

: evoking mental images : vivid

picturesquely adverb

picturesqueness noun

Synonyms

• vivid
• graphical
• graphic
• descriptive

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Set in the heart of Virginia's Piedmont region, Culpeper blends historic allure, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes. —Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

Iconic sites like Venice’s canals, Florence’s art galleries, Rome’s historic landmarks, and the Amalfi Coast's picturesque towns—like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—become easily accessible. —Andrea Grisdale, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025

In a July 29 post to the social media platform, Minniear included snaps of himself and some picturesque locations, as well as a shot of Goulding laying nude in bed with her arm, side and thigh visible but face mostly obstructed. —Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Natalie Massenet and Erik Torstensson — the picturesque power couple that made all the fashionable parties before their romance blew up — are now powering down their messy legal battle. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

picturesque

adjective

pic·​tur·​esque ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

1

a

: resembling or suitable for a painted picture

a picturesque landscape

b

: charming, quaint

picturesque customs

2

: calling forth a striking mental picture

a picturesque story

picturesquely adverb

picturesqueness noun