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

This Lemonade Lecture will focus on the hidden treasures of the western trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, charming communities, and vibrant ecosystems. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025

Located in the small, picturesque town of Kennebunkport, Maine, Sandy Pines Campground is known for its lush forests, luxe glamping sites, and creative guest cottages—but there's a new accommodation on its roster that's generated a lot of buzz recently. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2025

Getty Images Coveted for its pink sand beaches and picturesque seaside villages, Harbour Island is a tranquil enclave in the Bahamas where roosters roam freely and pigs splash around on the shore. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025

The Milan Cortina Olympics, now one year away, will be among the most picturesque Winter Games, billed as the most widespread ever across Northern Italy. —Nick Zaccardi, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025

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