1
: a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material to form pictures or patterns
also
: the process of making it
2
: a picture or design made in mosaic
3
: something resembling a mosaic
a mosaic of visions and daydreams and memories—
Lawrence Shainberg
Lawrence Shainberg4
: an organism or one of its parts composed of cells of more than one genotype : chimera sense 3
5
: any of numerous virus diseases of plants characterized by diffuse light and dark green or yellow and green mottling of the foliage compare tobacco mosaic virus
6
: a composite map made of photographs taken by an aircraft or spacecraft
7
: the part of a television camera tube consisting of many minute photoelectric particles that convert light to an electric charge
mosaicked; mosaicking
Mo·sa·ic
mō-ˈzā-ik 
: of or relating to Moses or the institutions or writings attributed to him
lived under the Mosaic Law
Examples of mosaic in a Sentence
Noun
a church decorated with old mosaics
a picture done in mosaic
Recent Examples on the Web
Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
In the years that followed, as Johnson’s work took different forms—videos, sculptures, mosaics, and eventually paintings on canvas—the constant element in all of it was a play of ideas.
—Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Leslie Katz, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The lockers are estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £15,000 ($13,000-19,000) each; the mosaic between £12,000 and £18,000.
—Tomás Hill López-Menchero, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mosaic 
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Noun
The 2024 ornament depicts the mosaics and mural at the top of the dome, which many visitors and school groups photograph or admire while laying down on the floor of the rotunda.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
In the years that followed, as Johnson’s work took different forms—videos, sculptures, mosaics, and eventually paintings on canvas—the constant element in all of it was a play of ideas.
—Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Some of the smaller finds, such as mosaic and pottery shards, jewelry and utensils from across centuries, are now on display at various stops along the 13-station metro line, which extends almost 6 miles.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The lockers are estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £15,000 ($13,000-19,000) each; the mosaic between £12,000 and £18,000.
—Tomás Hill López-Menchero, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mosaic
Dictionary Entries Near mosaic
Cite this Entry
“Mosaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mosaic. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
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