# grotesque

/ɡɹoʊˈtɛsk/ (US) · /ɡɹəʊtˈɛsk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grotesque
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

looking very strange, ugly, or unnatural in a way that is often scary or funny. You use this to describe something that is twisted or out of shape.

For teachers: characterised by distorted, unnatural, or bizarre physical features that evoke both disgust and amusement. Often used to describe art, architecture, or physical appearances that deviate wildly from standard proportions.

## Examples

- The old house was decorated with grotesque stone carvings.
- The actor wore grotesque makeup to transform into the monster for the horror film.
- The author's use of grotesque imagery highlighted the moral decay of the city, presenting characters with exaggerated physical deformities that mirrored their internal corruption.

## Usage notes

- Often used to describe visual art or literary descriptions; can be used predicatively after linking verbs like 'look' or 'become'.

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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.