What does "picturesque" mean?

1. (visually attractive) describing a place that is pretty in a traditional way, like a scene in a painting. 2. (vivid language) describing language or descriptions that are very clear and create a strong picture in your mind.

How do you use "picturesque"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes.

picturesque

adj.

US //ˈpɪktʃɝəsk// UK //pˌɪktʃəɹˈɛsk// pic·turesque

1 visually attractive (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describing a place that is pretty in a traditional way, like a scene in a painting.

visually charming or quaint, resembling the aesthetic qualities of a landscape painting.

Example

We stayed in a picturesque little village with stone houses and narrow streets.

Example

The hikers paused at the summit to admire the picturesque valley, where the winding river reflected the golden hues of the late afternoon sun.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
2 vivid language (adj.)
C1 Advanced Literary

describing language or descriptions that are very clear and create a strong picture in your mind.

referring to language or imagery that is strikingly graphic, vivid, or evocative.

Example

The author used picturesque language to describe the sights and sounds of the busy market.

Example

His travelogue was filled with picturesque descriptions of the local customs, allowing readers to imagine the festival in great detail.

Teacher's tip

This sense is less common than the physical description of a place; learners should use 'vivid' for everyday speech.
- dull
- vague

Origin

From picture + -esque, a calque of French pittoresque, from picture (“a picture, painting”).