calligraphy

noun

cal·​lig·​ra·​phy kə-ˈli-grə-fē How to pronounce calligraphy (audio)
1
a
: artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering
b
: the art of producing such writing
2
3
: an ornamental line in drawing or painting
calligraphic adjective
calligraphically adverb

Did you know?

Kalli- is a Greek root meaning "beautiful", and "beautiful" in the case of calligraphy means artistic, stylized, and elegant. Calligraphy has existed in many cultures, including Indian, Persian, and Islamic cultures; Arabic puts a particularly high value on beautiful script, and in East Asia calligraphy has long been considered a major art. Calligraphers in the West use pens with wide nibs, with which they produce strokes of widely differing width within a single letter.

Examples of calligraphy in a Sentence

she specializes in scrollwork with beautiful calligraphy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Saturday’s celebration, which also featured food, painting and calligraphy, was aimed at helping Abu Shaban and other kids feel connected to humanity, Sosebee said. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025 The final result of their stonework, calligraphy, carvings, and gardening can be seen at this white marble mausoleum. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 July 2025 The day will include a drumming performance by Tsukasa Taiko, Odori Japanese folk dance, musical performances with Japanese instruments, martial arts demonstrations, a Japanese calligraphy demonstration, origami lessons, food vendors and more. Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 Kid-friendly calligraphy classes and camelback excursions also make this a well-rounded retreat for first-timers to the region. Karla Pope, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for calligraphy

Word History

Etymology

French or Greek; French calligraphie, from Greek kalligraphia, from kalli- beautiful (from kallos beauty) + -graphia -graphy

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of calligraphy was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calligraphy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calligraphy. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

calligraphy

noun
cal·​lig·​ra·​phy kə-ˈlig-rə-fē How to pronounce calligraphy (audio)
1
a
: beautiful handwriting
b
: the art of producing such handwriting
2
calligrapher
-rə-fər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on calligraphy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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