# rococo

/ɹəˈkoʊˌkoʊ/ (US) · /ɹəkˈəʊkəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rococo
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a very decorated art and building style from 1700s Europe, with curves, gold, shells and light colours.

For teachers: an 18th-century European artistic style marked by elaborate ornament, curved forms, pastel colours and playful asymmetry in painting, architecture and interior decoration.

## Examples

- Her living room has a light rococo touch with gold chairs.
- The palace tour shows rococo rooms full of mirrors, curved gold frames and painted ceilings.
- Scholars often read rococo not as mere decoration but as a deliberate move toward lightness, intimacy and play.

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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.