impressionism

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ism im-ˈpre-shə-ˌni-zəm 

1

often capitalized : a theory or practice in painting especially among French painters of about 1870 of depicting the natural appearances of objects by means of dabs or strokes of primary unmixed colors in order to simulate actual reflected light

2

a

: the depiction (as in literature) of scene, emotion, or character by details intended to achieve a vividness or effectiveness more by evoking subjective and sensory impressions than by recreating an objective reality

b

: a style of musical composition designed to create subtle moods and impressions

Examples of impressionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using Christian themes and imagery, McNaughton’s art blends realism, fantasy and impressionism. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Awesome impressionism Mary Cassatt emerged as a titan of the art world at a time when woman were largely relegated to amateur status. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024

The artists found themselves in bitter disagreement over the years, and some of the most important members of the group – including Manet, Morisot, and Gustave Caillebotte – died long before the triumph of impressionism was clear. —Terry W. Hartle, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2024

Over 400 works of classic impressionism will be on display. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing impressionism

• neo-impressionism

Kids Definition

impressionism

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ism im-ˈpresh-ə-ˌniz-əm 

1

often capitalized : a style of painting beginning in France around 1870 in which dabs or strokes of primary colors are used to give the effect of light actually reflected from things

2

: a style of musical composition designed to create moods through rich and varied harmonies