chiaroscuro

noun

chiar·​oscu·​ro kē-ˌär-ə-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō 

-ˈsku̇r-

plural chiaroscuros

1

: pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color

2

a

: the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art

The artist uses chiaroscuro to create the perception of depth in a two-dimensional work.

b

: the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)

3

: a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color

also : a print made by this technique

4

: the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface

a spotlight revealing a chiaroscuro of ridges and craters on a mountainside

5

: the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

Examples of chiaroscuro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Things only get less interesting as that love triangles widens into an awkward kind of square, the chiaroscuro splendor of Soderbergh’s cinematography laboring to compensate for a murder-mystery that’s as scattered and impenetrable as Berlin itself. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025

Awash in candlelight chiaroscuro and punctuated with witty repartee, the film initially seems like a quirky comedy about a father and daughter struggling with their rhubarb farm. —Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025

The young artist’s work stood out for its unique chiaroscuro, masterfully contrasting light and shadow to create dramatic, three-dimensional images. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

The stunning chiaroscuro visuals draw the audience into a world of Eggers’ gothic nightmare. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from chiaro clear, light + oscuro obscure, dark

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chiaroscuro

• politburo
• bureau
• bureaux