Illustration of arabesque
- arabesque 1
ar·a·besque
ˌa-rə-ˈbesk 
ˌer-ə
1
: an ornament or style that employs flower, foliage, or fruit and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines
2
: a posture (as in ballet) in which the body is bent forward from the hip on one leg with one arm extended forward and the other arm and leg backward
3
: an elaborate or intricate pattern
… richly pierced by an arabesque of wormholes.—
John Chase
John Chasean arabesque of vines and leaves
: of, relating to, or being in the style of arabesque or an arabesque
arabesque frescoes
Examples of arabesque in a Sentence
Noun
The students practiced their arabesques.
She held her arms in arabesque.
Recent Examples on the Web
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Thus Andy Dixon paints Day-Glo takes on Rococo romances, with sculptural nudes draped in loose tunics cavorting around pleasure gardens dotted with classical statuary; these same motifs are distilled into dainty arabesques and diaphanous whorls in the abstract canvases of Michaela Yearwood-Dan.
—Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
The decor is decidedly beachy — twisted abaca chairs, linen cushions and curtains, and arabesque tile floors that immediately cool your feet when coming inside from the nearby beach.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arabesque
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Noun
Playful birds, geometric motifs, red hearts and golden arabesques weave together in a dreamlike composition, transforming utilitarian objects into poetic expressions of joy and wonder.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Thus Andy Dixon paints Day-Glo takes on Rococo romances, with sculptural nudes draped in loose tunics cavorting around pleasure gardens dotted with classical statuary; these same motifs are distilled into dainty arabesques and diaphanous whorls in the abstract canvases of Michaela Yearwood-Dan.
—Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Particularly special is the spa’s 20-meter indoor pool punctuated by eight arabesque marble columns.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
The decor is decidedly beachy — twisted abaca chairs, linen cushions and curtains, and arabesque tile floors that immediately cool your feet when coming inside from the nearby beach.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arabesque
Cite this Entry
“Arabesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arabesque. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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