# grotesque

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/ · frequency rank #20,129

## Definitions
1. Distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal, especially in a hideous way.
2. Disgusting or otherwise viscerally revolting.
3. Sans serif.

## Etymology
Etymology tree
Ancient Greek κρύπτω (krúptō)
Ancient Greek κρυπτή (kruptḗ)bor.
Latin crypta
Italian grotta
Proto-Indo-European *-iskos
Proto-Germanic *-iskaz
Proto-West Germanic *-iskbor.
Vulgar Latin -iscus
Italian -esco
Italian grottescobor.
Middle French grotesquebor.
English grotesque
Borrowed from Middle French grotesque, from Italian grottesco, from grotta (“cave”) + -esco (relational suffix). By surface analysis, grotto + -esque. Compare French grotesque, English grotto.

## Common misspellings (13)
`ggrotesque`, `gortesque`, `groetsque`, `groteqsue`, `grotesqeu`, `grotesqque`, `grotessque`, `grotesuqe`, `grotseque`, `grottesque`, `grrotesque`, `grtoesque`, `rgotesque`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/grotesque