Jacobean

[ jak-uh-bee-uhn ]

/ ˌdʒæk əˈbi ən /

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adjective

of or relating to James I of England or to his period.

noting or pertaining to the style of architecture and furnishings prevailing in England in the first half of the 17th century, continuing the Elizabethan style with a gradual introduction of Italian models in architecture and increased elaboration of forms and motifs in furnishings.

of or relating to the style of literature and drama produced during the early 17th century.

noun

a writer, statesman, or other personage of the Jacobean period.

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Origin of Jacobean

First recorded in 1750–60; from New Latin Jacobae(us) “of Jacobus” (Latinized form of James) + -an

OTHER WORDS FROM Jacobean

an·ti-Jac·o·be·an, adjectivepro-Jac·o·be·an, adjectivequa·si-Jac·o·be·an, adjective

Words nearby Jacobean

jacky tar, Jacmel, Jacob, Jacob and Esau, Jacob ben Asher, Jacobean, Jacobean lily, Jacobethan, Jacobi, Jacobian, Jacobin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Jacobean in a sentence

Every chapter is headed with a brief quote from a Jacobean revenge tragedy by the likes of Webster, Kyd, or Jonson.
Speed Read: J.K. Rowling Pens Another Winner With ‘The Silkworm’|Malcolm Jones|June 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The house, Burford Priory, is a largely Jacobean mansion, hidden from view by high walls.
'World' Players' Secret Getaway|William Underhill|July 17, 2011|DAILY BEAST
This, sadly, is the kind of Jacobean-comedy language Russia is most comfortable speaking right now.
Obama's Russia Problem|Michael Idov|July 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The Fatal Dowry in substantially its own proper form does not appear ever to have been acted after Jacobean times.
The Fatal Dowry|Philip Massinger

Adjacent to the church is St Peter's hospital, a picturesque gabled building of Jacobean and earlier date, with a fine court room.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
Each house has its garden, while the centre house, a stately double-fronted Jacobean mansion, has quite a big one.
Adventures and Enthusiasms|E. V. Lucas
After luncheon they drove five or six miles in the motor to Valley House, a place of Jacobean times.
The Second Latchkey|Charles Norris Williamson and Alice Muriel Williamson
A lettered balustrade, a rather favourite device in Elizabethan and Jacobean work, is to be seen here.
The Rivers of Great Britain: Rivers of the East Coast|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Jacobean

Jacobean

/ (ˌdʒækəˈbɪən) /

adjective

history characteristic of or relating to James I of England or to the period of his rule (1603–25)

of or relating to the style of furniture current at this time, characterized by the use of dark brown carved oak

denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in England during this period, characterized by a combination of late Gothic and Palladian motifs

noun

any writer or other person who lived in the reign of James I

Word Origin for Jacobean

C18: from New Latin jacōbaeus, from Jacōbus James

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012