body art

noun

: art that uses the human body as a medium

… body art is just what its name implies: an art form in which the artist's body is the medium rather than the more conventional wood, stone, or paint on canvas.

—Robert Atkins, Art Speak, 1990

specifically : decorative tattoos or piercings

The celebrity mom adds to her collection of body art. Find out about her latest tattoo.

—Charlotte Observer (North Carolina), 20 Oct. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

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