still life

noun

plural still lifes
1
: a picture consisting predominantly of inanimate objects
2
: the category of graphic arts concerned with inanimate subject matter

Examples of still life in a Sentence

an exhibit of still lifes She prefers portraiture to still life.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why are there mountains right behind the still life? Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 The Carters’ latest work dissects traditional Dutch and Flemish still life’s, isolating intricate details and presenting them against a black void. Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Rob and Nick Carter Limited Edition Print Rob and Nick Carter have created a limited-edition print inspired by Dutch and Flemish still life paintings for their new exhibition ‘A Closer Look’. Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Photo: Liz Ligon Over the years, Casteel’s practice has expanded to encompass city scenes, landscapes, and still lifes, reflecting her move from Harlem to upstate New York in 2021, though no matter the subject, her brilliant mark making remains incredibly consistent. Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for still life 

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of still life was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near still life

Cite this Entry

“Still life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/still%20life. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

still life

noun
plural still lifes
: a picture of an arrangement of objects
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!