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.
On Thursday, June 11, Rivich Auction, based in Chicago's Fulton Market district, will present Fried's catalogue of folk art, outsider art, design, and Americana. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 June 2026 Clearly Indigenous Balboa Park’s Mingei International Museum celebrates human creativity through multicultural works of folk art, craft, and design. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The design is made in tandem with Berea College in Kentucky, which hosts a Student Craft program focused on folk arts. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 Jewelry, vintage CorningWare, folk art, and classic tools abound. Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 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 15 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster