arabesque: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Technical, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “arabesque” mean?
A ballet pose in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other leg extended horizontally backwards, and the arms positioned gracefully.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ballet pose in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other leg extended horizontally backwards, and the arms positioned gracefully; a complex, ornate design of intertwined flowing lines, foliage, and geometric patterns, often found in Islamic art.
Anything characterized by elaborate, intricate, and flowing patterns or a sense of graceful complexity, often used metaphorically in music, literature, or other arts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in US arts discourse due to ballet terminology commonality.
Connotations
Identical connotations of grace, intricacy, and artistic refinement.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language in both variants, primarily confined to artistic/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “arabesque” in a Sentence
perform an arabesquedecorate with arabesquesan arabesque of [metaphorical noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arabesque” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arabesque patterns on the mosque's dome were breathtaking.
American English
- The façade featured an arabesque design of vines and geometric shapes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history, architectural studies, and dance theory.
Everyday
Rare. If used, likely in discussing ballet or home decor.
Technical
Core term in ballet (position) and visual arts/architecture (decorative style).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arabesque”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arabesque”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arabesque”
- Confusing it with 'grotesque'. Spelling: 'arabesque' not 'arabesq'. Using it to mean 'Arabian'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Etymologically yes (via French from Italian 'arabesco', meaning 'Arabian'), but in modern English it denotes an artistic style or ballet position, not ethnicity.
No, it is exclusively a noun or, less commonly, an adjective. There is no standard verb form.
Both denote intricate ornamentation. 'Arabesque' specifically implies flowing, interlacing lines often with foliage; 'filigree' is delicate metalwork, often with twisted wires.
In British English: /ˌær.əˈbesk/ (arr-uh-BESK). In American English: /ˌer.əˈbesk/ (air-uh-BESK). Stress is on the last syllable.
A ballet pose in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other leg extended horizontally backwards, and the arms positioned gracefully.
Arabesque is usually formal, technical, artistic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. Occasionally used in phrases like 'an arabesque of thought' to mean intricate/flowing ideas.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ARABian knight, frozen in a graceful ballet pose (ESQUE meaning 'in the style of'), surrounded by intricate patterns.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTRICATE PATTERNS ARE ARABESQUES (e.g., "an arabesque of lies", "arabesques of melody").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'arabesque' LEAST likely to be used?