adjective

picaresque

pik-uh-RESK

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Picaresque (adjective) means relating to a style of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish, often likeable, wandering hero. Example: “The novel's picaresque structure follows the hero from one misadventure to the next.”

adjective

literary Relating to a style of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish, often likeable, wandering hero.

"The novel's picaresque structure follows the hero from one misadventure to the next."

"Critics called it a picaresque tale in the tradition of the classic Spanish novels."

"His picaresque journey across the country reads like one long string of scrapes and escapes."

noun

literary A novel that follows the adventures of a roguish wandering hero.

"The book is often described as a modern picaresque."

"She is writing a picaresque set during the gold rush."

"His first novel was a picaresque about a con artist drifting across Europe."

How to use picaresque

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribing a story about a roguish wanderer's adventures, in the style of the classic Spanish picaresque novel.

When to use it

This is a literary term mostly used when discussing fiction and its genres.

Memory tip

Keep picaresque and picturesque apart by remembering picaresque is about a rogue's adventures, not pretty scenery.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

picturesque →

Common pairings

picaresque novel picaresque hero picaresque tale a picaresque journey

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “picaresque” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The novel's _____ structure follows the hero from one misadventure to the next.

Etymology

The word comes from picaro, meaning an adventurer or rogue, combined with the suffix -esque, meaning in the style of. It was modelled on the Spanish picaresco, itself formed from picaro, a rogue.

Origin: Spanish

Synonyms

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roguish

Related words

devilish

Rhymes for picaresque

rue due sue cue hue blue true flue clue glue imbue pique

See all rhymes for picaresque →

Frequently asked questions

What does picaresque mean?

It describes fiction, especially a certain type of Spanish-influenced novel, that follows the adventures of a roguish, wandering main character.

Is picaresque the same as picturesque?

No, the two are often confused because they look alike, but picaresque concerns roguish adventure while picturesque means visually charming or scenic.

Can picaresque describe something other than a novel?

It is mainly used for a particular literary genre and style, though it can describe any story or journey with the same roguish, episodic quality.

What is the meaning of picaresque?

"picaresque" (adjective) means relating to a style of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish, often likeable, wandering hero.

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