Romanesque

UK: /ˌrəʊməˈnɛsk/ US: /ˌroʊməˈnɛsk/ ,(rō′mə nesk′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

Ro•man•esque /ˌroʊməˈnɛsk/   adj. 

1. Architecture of or relating to the style of architecture popular in W and S Europe from the 9th through the 12th centuries, having heavy masonry construction with narrow openings, and the use of a round arch.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

Ro•man•esque  (rō′mə nesk′), adj. 

1. Architecture noting or pertaining to the style of architecture prevailing in western or southern Europe from the 9th through the 12th centuries, characterized by heavy masonry construction with narrow openings, features such as the round arch, the groin vault, and the barrel vault, and the introduction or development of the vaulting rib, the vaulting shaft, and central and western towers for churches.
2. Fine Art pertaining to or designating the styles of sculpture, painting, or ornamentation of the corresponding period.
3. Literature (l.c.) of or pertaining to fanciful or extravagant literature, as romance or fable;
   fanciful.

n. 

4. Fine Art the Romanesque style of art or architecture.

• 1705–15; Roman + -esque; compare French romanesque romantic

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Romanesque / ˌrəʊməˈnɛsk/ adjective

1. denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in W and S Europe from the 9th to the 12th century, characterized by the rounded arch, the groin vault, massive-masonry wall construction, and a restrained use of mouldings
   See also Norman16
2. denoting or relating to a corresponding style in painting, sculpture, etc

Etymology: 18th Century: Roman + -esque