Grotesque is an adjective often used to describe weird shapes and distorted forms such as Halloween masks. In art, performance, and literature, however, grotesque may also refer to something that …

The adjective form of "grotesque" was first used in the early 17th century to describe the decorative art but is now used to describe anything bizarre, incongruous, or unusual.

GROTESQUE definition: odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre. See examples of grotesque used in a sentence.

GROTESQUE meaning: 1. strange and unpleasant, especially in a silly or slightly frightening way: 2. wrong or unfair…. Learn more.

grotesque, n. & adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Definition of grotesque adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. Characterized by ludicrous, repulsive, or incongruous distortion, as of appearance or manner. See Synonyms at ugly. 2. Outlandish or bizarre, as in character or appearance. See Synonyms at …

A grotesque is a person who is very ugly in a strange or unnatural way, especially one in a novel or painting. Grass's novels are peopled with outlandish characters: grotesques, clowns, scarecrows, …

Oct 13, 2025 · grotesque (comparative grotesquer or more grotesque, superlative grotesquest or most grotesque) Distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal, especially in a hideous way. …

Use grotesque to describe things that are very strange and ugly in an unnatural way. If something "grosses you out," you can safely refer to it as grotesque.