minimalism

noun

min·​i·​mal·​ism ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce minimalism (audio)
1
: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity
2

Did you know?

In the 1960s, a few composers, including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and John Adams, began writing music inspired by the music of India and Southeast Asia, often with a quick pulsing beat and chords that are repeated quickly over and over while small changes are slowly introduced. Minimalist art, which began appearing around the same time, tries to strip away all personal elements, often leaving only pure geometric forms; you may have seen the plain silver boxes of Donald Judd, or the straight neon tubes of Bruce Nauman. In literature, the stripped-down fiction of Samuel Beckett and Raymond Carver is often considered minimalist. But there's a real question whether these various types of minimalism should even be considered the same concept.

Examples of minimalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Add Joy to Your Space with Playful Accents Neutrals and minimalism might always be popular, but summer is the perfect time to invite some joy and color into your space. Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025 The 34-year-old leaned into the minimalism of it all, accessorizing with a sleek gold collar and cream pumps with a curved heel. Sam Reed, Glamour, 10 June 2025 Fortunately, with Mars entering Virgo on June 17, the focus shifts toward details, practicality and minimalism, presenting the opportunity to incorporate more attentiveness or acts of service in one-on-one connections. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025 Dakota Johnson Video: Getty Images While Cannes is often associated with extravagance and over-the-top glamour, Johnson and stylist Kate Young proved that minimalism can also shine at the festival. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for minimalism

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimalism was in 1927

Cite this Entry

“Minimalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimalism. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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