chiaroscuro

noun

chiar·​oscu·​ro kē-ˌär-ə-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō 

-ˈsku̇r-

plural chiaroscuros

1

: pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color

2

a

: the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art

The artist uses chiaroscuro to create the perception of depth in a two-dimensional work.

b

: the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)

3

: a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color

also : a print made by this technique

4

: the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface

a spotlight revealing a chiaroscuro of ridges and craters on a mountainside

5

: the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

Examples of chiaroscuro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This chiaroscuro effect gave Zendaya’s smile depth and fullness, and makes the case for a rebrand of the lip liner category as a whole — one where the makeup essential is used similar to a contour stick to shape the lips versus a colored pencil that simply extends the wear time of a lip look. —Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 6 May 2025

The heavy chiaroscuro is as likely to illuminate your martyrdom as your glory. —Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

The images often frame Bono in shadow, with glints of light around him, lending a chiaroscuro elegance to his presence. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025

Its crowning glory: a mammoth skylight that illuminates the entire structure for ultimate chiaroscuro effect. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from chiaro clear, light + oscuro obscure, dark

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chiaroscuro

• politburo
• bureau
• bureaux