action painting

noun

: abstract expressionism marked especially by the use of spontaneous techniques (such as dribbling, splattering, or smearing)
action painter noun

Examples of action painting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One escort takes revenge on the boys by leaving a huge mess of excrement all over the toilet, an action painting in brown shown in great detail here for no discernible artistic reason, apart from shock value. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Happenings took the painting out of action painting and left only the action. Frank Rose, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'action painting.' 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

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of action painting was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near action painting

Cite this Entry

“Action painting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/action%20painting. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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