artsy

adjective

art·​sy ˈärt-sē 

: characterized by or showing artistry or artistic talent

The artsy Paloma Picasso chatted up husband Rafael Lopez Sanchez, the Argentine playwright.

—People Weekly

The artsy packaging is gorgeous, making these primo sweets ideal gifts. Sold in fine retail outlets in NYC and online.

—Janice Wald Henderson

The 13 suites at Ljubljana's Antiq Palace complement the city's historic and artsy appeal.

—Chris Colin

also : showily or pretentiously artistic : arty, artsy-fartsy

For a month, all Edinburgh is a stage, life is a cabaret, and people like me feel comfortable spouting artsy clichés while bingeing on three or four or five performances a day.

—Bob Sipchen

Examples of artsy in a Sentence

Her boyfriend is the artsy type.

Recent Examples on the Web

The neighborhood has evolved from its 1960s bohemian roots (musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell used to play the local coffeehouses here) into one of Toronto’s most posh pockets without entirely losing its artsy edge. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The bar-office also hosts events like the Search Work launch along with fundraisers and parties — a perk that makes use of a sound system brought in by Kyp Malone, who’s part of the collective of artsy friends who co-own the bar. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 20 Apr. 2026

Solana Beach Just north of San Diego proper, the Surfliner takes you to the heart of Solana Beach’s artsy Design District. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026

Not five minutes from the artsy Cargo District, Wilmington’s historic downtown has a personality all its own. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing artsy

• artsy-craftsy
• artsy-fartsy

Rhymes for artsy

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy