grotesque Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun art characterized by an incongruous mixture of parts of humans and animals interwoven with plants
  2. adjective satellite distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous
    monstrous.
    • tales of grotesque serpents eight fathoms long that churned the seas
    • twisted into monstrous shapes
  3. adjective satellite ludicrously odd
    fantastic; antic; fantastical.
    • Hamlet's assumed antic disposition
    • fantastic Halloween costumes
    • a grotesque reflection in the mirror

WordNet

Gro*tesque noun
Definitions
  1. A whimsical figure, or scene, such as is found in old crypts and grottoes. Dryden.
  2. Artificial grotto-work.

Webster 1913