# esque

/ˈɛsk/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Particle

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/esque
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

in the style of a certain person, place, or thing. You add this to the end of a name or word to say that something is similar to it.

For teachers: a suffixal element used to form adjectives meaning 'in the style or manner of'. Typically attached to proper nouns or iconic figures to denote stylistic imitation.

## Examples

- The building has a very Roman-esque design.
- The director's latest film features several Hitchcock-esque suspense sequences that keep the audience guessing until the final frame.
- While the author's prose is certainly Dickens-esque in its density, it lacks the social satire that defined the Victorian era's most famous novels.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The movie was very Spielbergly." but "The movie was very Spielberg-esque." — Learners often try to use '-ly' or '-ish' for stylistic imitation, but '-esque' is the standard way to describe the specific style of a famous person or artist.

## Usage notes

- Usually attached to a noun with a hyphen, though common words like 'picturesque' or 'statuesque' are written as one word.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.