minimalism
noun
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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
Olivia Allen, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
The rest of the house is quite a mixture, with some mid-century and heritage modernism influences, probably giving the vibe of eclectic minimalism in the end.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Interiors blend tactile minimalism with local artistry: Rooms have custom sconces by Panos Profitis, plus textiles by Greek-Egyptian designer Salma Barakat.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
As with all Nobu Hotels the look here is Japanese minimalism; however, there will be a distinct dolce vita design twist on the rooftop terrace.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Minimalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimalism. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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