Carnivalesque
a traveling amusement show, having sideshows, rides, etc.
any merrymaking, revelry, or festival, as a program of sports or entertainment:
a winter carnival.
the season immediately preceding Lent, often observed with merrymaking; Shrovetide.
Contemporary Examples
Her first feature, Orphans , received a Jury Prize at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival and was released on DVD by carnivalesque Films.
Thank God My Moms Are Lesbians Ry Russo-Young June 20, 2010
Historical Examples
Salamandering with an iron that has a gay, carnivalesque design can make a sort of harlequin Ramekin.
The Complete Book of Cheese Robert Carlton Brown
The Florentines at any rate spend no more money nor faith on the carnivalesque.
Italian Hours Henry James
adjective
characteristic of, suitable for, or like a carnival
noun
a festive occasion or period marked by merrymaking, processions, etc: esp in some Roman Catholic countries, the period just before Lent
(as modifier): a carnival atmosphere
a travelling fair having merry-go-rounds, etc
a show or display arranged as an amusement
(Austral) a sports meeting
adjective
pertaining to a carnival, esp. to its wildness and revelry
Examples
A carnivalesque atmosphere is often depicted in art and literature.
Word Origin
carnival + (burl)esque
n.
1540s, “time of merrymaking before Lent,” from French carnaval, from Italian carnevale “Shrove Tuesday,” from older Italian forms such as Milanese *carnelevale, Old Pisan carnelevare “to remove meat,” literally “raising flesh,” from Latin caro “flesh” (see carnage) + levare “lighten, raise, remove” (see lever (n.)). Folk etymology is from Medieval Latin carne vale ” ‘flesh, farewell!’ ” Meaning “a circus or fair” is attested by 1931 in North America.
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an animal that eats flesh. a flesh-eating mammal of the order Carnivora, comprising the dogs, cats, bears, seals, and weasels. an insectivorous plant. Contemporary Examples In Area D the child’s right foot bones were discovered with “carnivore damage.” Did They Get Her? Diane Dimond June 14, 2011 Historical Examples It is more subtle in its […]
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an animal that eats flesh. a flesh-eating mammal of the order Carnivora, comprising the dogs, cats, bears, seals, and weasels. an insectivorous plant. Contemporary Examples The Hindus there kept strictly vegetarian, but there was never any tension with the carnivores next door. The Fugitive Guru Ben Crair June 20, 2011 The area, which once hosted […]
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