folk art

noun

: the traditional decorative or utilitarian art of the people that is often an expression of community life and is distinguished from academic or self-conscious or cosmopolitan expression
Along with exhibits showcasing such folk art as quilts, jewelry and toys, visitors learn about the influence of folk art on contemporary art through tours, programs, symposia and art workshops.Shawn Sell

Examples of folk art in a Sentence

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.
This museum highlights folk art, craft, textiles and design. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 Craft Contemporary: This craft and folk art museum features changing exhibitions. Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025 Leafy Yun Ye Through the traditional folk art of lion dance, these young lions are not only keeping a centuries-old practice alive but also forging meaningful connections to their cultural roots in this dynamic world. Leafy Yun Ye, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025 The connection among folk art, handcrafts, and modernism was made by a number of curators and collectors at the time. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for folk art

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk art was in 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Folk art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20art. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

folk art

noun
: the traditional art of usually untrained people typically created by an unknown artist

More from Merriam-Webster on folk art

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!