minimalism

noun

min·​i·​mal·​ism ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce minimalism (audio)
1
: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity
2

Did you know?

In the 1960s, a few composers, including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and John Adams, began writing music inspired by the music of India and Southeast Asia, often with a quick pulsing beat and chords that are repeated quickly over and over while small changes are slowly introduced. Minimalist art, which began appearing around the same time, tries to strip away all personal elements, often leaving only pure geometric forms; you may have seen the plain silver boxes of Donald Judd, or the straight neon tubes of Bruce Nauman. In literature, the stripped-down fiction of Samuel Beckett and Raymond Carver is often considered minimalist. But there's a real question whether these various types of minimalism should even be considered the same concept.

Examples of minimalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This conversation continued on the Parisian couture runways as an evolution of minimalism with simplified shapes and pared back details on some runways. Emily Mercer, WWD, 2 July 2024 The eight-course menu is a refined celebration of Central European flavors and ingredients with a touch of Scandinavian minimalism. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2024 The interior is sparse, but its fresh design focusing on minimalism and sustainability creates a feel that's bespoke, not bargain-basement. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 1 Apr. 2024 Following Ye’s search for radical minimalism, the house is now essentially a three-story concrete box with oceanfront views. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for minimalism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimalism was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near minimalism

Cite this Entry

“Minimalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimalism. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

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