What does "rococo" mean?
A style of baroque architecture and decorative art, from 18th-century France, having elaborate ornamentation.
Rococo
adj, noun
adj, noun ·3 syllables ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A style of baroque architecture and decorative art, from 18th-century France, having elaborate ornamentation.
- Grammar: rococo is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: arabesque, archaic, baroque, baroqueness.
- Useful contrasts: Neoclassical period, concise, minimal.
- Usage evidence: The Sanssouci Palace is an example of rococo architecture.
How to use "rococo"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "rococo" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "rococo" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "rococo" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "rococo" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "rococo" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arabesque" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "rococo", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A style of baroque architecture and decorative art, from 18th-century France, having elaborate ornamentation. uncountable
"They built a rococo aedicule that stands around the Tomb today."
- 2 fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century wordnet
- 3 A piece of ornamentation in this style. countable
"Above the two chief figures are rococos on either side of the clock face. These, like all the other work, are in bold relief and wrought with great delicacy and grace. On the top of the clock is a realistic scene from nature."
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to the rococo style.
- 2 Over-elaborate or complicated; opulent.
- 3 Old-fashioned.
Adjective
- 1 having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The Sanssouci Palace is an example of rococo architecture."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "rococo"?
Common synonyms include: arabesque, archaic, baroque, baroqueness, bizarre, brain-born.
How do you use "rococo" in a sentence?
The Sanssouci Palace is an example of rococo architecture.
Etymology
Borrowed from French rococo.