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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My aesthetic is a play of contrasts—feminine and masculine, minimalism and ornamentation. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Its ’90s-style silhouette, combined with textured sheen, creates a flattering spring dress that finds a sweet spot between minimalism and maximalism. Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025 Jobs championed minimalism and clarity in design and user interface, recognizing that simplicity enhances usability. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2025 Earthy minimalism meets refined glamour in this inviting Dallas sitting area by Jen Mauldin, anchored by the sculptural GlammFire suspended fireplace with its striking black-and-gold design. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 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 12 Mar. 2025.

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