Grotesque

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ɡɹəʊˈtÉ›sk/
• US IPA: /ɡɹoʊˈtÉ›sk/

Origin

Middle French grotesque (French: grotesque), from Italian grottesco ("of a cave"), from grotta. Compare English grotto.

Full definition of grotesque

Adjective

1. distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous
2. disgusting or otherwise viscerally reviling.
3. (typography) sans serif.

Derived terms

• grotty

Noun

1. A style of ornamentation characterized by fanciful combinations of intertwined forms.
2. Anything grotesque.
3. (typography) A sans serif typeface.

Related terms

• grotesquely
• grotesqueness