English edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from French statuesque, equivalent to statue +‎ -esque.

Pronunciation edit

  • (UK) IPA(key): /statjʊˈɛsk/, /statʃʊˈɛsk/

Adjective edit

statuesque (comparative more statuesque, superlative most statuesque)

  1. Resembling or characteristic of a statue. [from 18th c.]
    • 1863, Sheridan Le Fanu, The House by the Churchyard:
      He was by no means a bad hero to look at, if such a thing were needed. His face was pale, melancholy, statuesque—and his large enthusiastic eyes, suggested a story and a secret—perhaps a horror.
  2. (of a woman) Elegantly tall, graceful, and attractive. [from 19th c.]
    Christy Turlington is a statuesque supermodel famous for her fashion ads.

Translations edit