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

• delineated
• graphic
• graphical
• pictorial
• visual
• vivid

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

Those who want to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway’s picturesque nature by car, hiking or biking, should note that access has been restored, but double-check what’s open. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Kate Winslet’s picturesque cottage doesn’t actually exist. —Hannah Daly, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024

The nuptials unfolded in the picturesque setting of Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado, known for its elegant charm and wintry ambiance. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

Martha’s Vineyard getaway Two years later, the Obamas paid $11.75 million for a picturesque 6,892-square-foot mansion set on 29.3 acres on Edgartown Great Pond on Martha’s Vineyard. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024

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