1. relating to or resembling a carnival; characterized by festive, exuberant, or chaotic celebration and revelry
Usage: often used in literary and cultural criticism
2. marked by the inversion of social hierarchies, grotesque imagery, and the blending of high and low culture, as in carnival traditions
Usage: literary and cultural studies term

Examples

• The parade had a carnivalesque atmosphere with colorful floats and dancing performers.
• The novel's carnivalesque style blends comedy with social critique.
• The street festival took on a carnivalesque quality as the crowd grew more animated.
• Her carnivalesque costume featured exaggerated masks and bright, clashing colors.
• The author used carnivalesque imagery to challenge traditional power structures in the narrative.
• The carnival's carnivalesque energy was infectious, drawing crowds from across the city.