folk art

noun

: the traditional decorative or utilitarian art of the people that is often an expression of community life and is distinguished from academic or self-conscious or cosmopolitan expression
Along with exhibits showcasing such folk art as quilts, jewelry and toys, visitors learn about the influence of folk art on contemporary art through tours, programs, symposia and art workshops.Shawn Sell

Examples of folk art in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Visit the largest collection of international folk art in the world. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2024 Another city, Qingdao, threw a carnival featuring traditional dances, drum performances, and folk art. TIME, 24 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for folk art 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'folk art.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk art was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near folk art

Cite this Entry

“Folk art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20art. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

folk art

noun
: the traditional art of usually untrained people typically created by an unknown artist

More from Merriam-Webster on folk art

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